Automattic Appoints Interim CFO Following Executive Exodus

Automattic has named Jeremy Klaperman, currently the CFO of its WordPress VIP Enterprise division, as the company’s interim chief financial officer. The internal announcement was made on Friday, marking the latest personnel shift following the recent power struggle that nearly removed CEO Matt Mullenweg from his post.

The leadership change comes in the wake of an attempted board vote earlier this month to force Mullenweg into a leave of absence. That maneuver ultimately backfired, resulting in the departure of the board members who supported the ouster, as well as several top executives. Among those leaving were then-CFO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan. Davies briefly served as interim CEO before Mullenweg reclaimed the role on September 12.

In a company-wide message, Mullenweg highlighted that Klaperman had previously filled in as CFO during Davies’ sabbatical, suggesting familiarity with the role. However, the CEO noted that the board, whose new members have not yet been identified, will still review both internal and external candidates before making a permanent appointment.

Mullenweg also confirmed that a candidate for Chief Legal Officer has verbally accepted the position, replacing Missan, who left alongside Davies. Reports earlier this week indicated that both outgoing executives had signed reciprocal severance agreements during Mullenweg’s short 33-hour absence.

Addressing concerns about the company’s stability, Mullenweg stated he has “100% confidence” in Automattic’s cash and financial standing. “There is still work to do, but everything is within our control and depends only on Automattic’s ability to execute,” he wrote.

The CEO urged employees to stay tuned for upcoming board announcements, confirming that special advisor Stephen Wolfram will remain in his role. Automattic is scheduled to hold its next board meeting on September 23.