Automattic

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has installed a new board of directors following a failed internal attempt to place its chief executive on leave. The move signals ongoing governance turmoil at the company. Details about who pushed for the leave and how the new board was chosen remain limited, but the shake-up is drawing attention in the tech and startup community.

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and Tumblr, has reconstituted its board following a failed internal attempt to place its CEO on leave. The reported shake-up raises questions about governance and leadership control at the privately held firm, which has been at the centre of recent controversy. Tech observers are watching closely for what the new board means for the company's direction and its founder's authority.

Automattic has appointed a new board of directors after an attempt to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on leave failed. Mullenweg reportedly wrote that, for purposes of Delaware law, he is the company's CEO, President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and said the attempted removal had also brought in many new supporters. The internal power struggle at the company behind WordPress.com is drawing attention across the tech industry.