Automattic's board has forced its CEO Matt Mullenweg into a leave of absence, according to a source familiar with the matter. This move comes after Mullenweg made a shocking announcement on a private Slack channel where employees are allowed to discuss company business in a more informal setting.
Mullenweg had claimed that he was against being forced out of his own company, stating that it would be "unfair" and "unhappily so". However, the move is seen as a significant shift in the power dynamics within Automattic, where Mullenweg has been at the helm since its founding. The board's decision suggests a desire to re-evaluate Mullenweg's role and potentially lead him out of his position.
The timing of the announcement is believed to be strategic, with some speculating that it may signal Automattic's intention to make significant changes in response to growing competition from rival companies like Medium and Ghost. Whatever the reasons, the move has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with many employees taking to social media to express their surprise and disappointment at Mullenweg's decision.