Automattic named a new board after shareholders failed to remove CEO Matt Mullenweg, dissolving the prior board and adding three directors and two members.

Automattic named a new board after a shareholder proposal to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on leave failed.

Background

Shareholders submitted a resolution seeking to suspend Mullenweg pending an investigation into his management of the company. The proposal did not achieve the required vote, and the board that had overseen the vote was dissolved.

New board composition

The newly appointed board includes three existing directors and two independent members with experience in software development and corporate finance. The company confirmed that the new members will serve staggered three‑year terms.

Company statement

Automattic said the board will focus on governance, long‑term strategy and shareholder engagement. A company spokesperson added that the leadership team will continue to execute the current product roadmap without interruption.

Governance context

Corporate governance reforms have become common in public‑technology firms after activist investors raise concerns about oversight. Automattic’s move aligns with industry practice of strengthening board independence after contested leadership actions.

Next steps

The board plans to hold its inaugural meeting within the next two weeks. It will review the company’s risk management framework and report back to shareholders at the annual general meeting later this year.

Analysts said the resolution’s failure suggests that a majority of shareholders still support Mullenweg’s direction, though the episode highlights ongoing scrutiny of executive authority in fast‑growing tech firms.