Automattic begins layoffs following board upheaval and executive departures
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress and Tumblr, is undergoing layoffs following significant internal board turmoil and executive departures. CEO Matt Mullenweg has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, including the disclosure of private employee information.
Why it matters
The instability at a major web infrastructure company impacts the broader tech ecosystem and raises concerns regarding corporate governance and leadership conduct.
Automattic, the parent company to WordPress.com , WooCommerce, Tumblr, and others, has begun layoffs, and insiders tell us they are bracing for more cuts to come.
Over at least the past week, the cuts have impacted its communications team, social team, WordPress.com , and its VIP enterprise business.
The departures represent more turmoil at Automattic, whose team is still reeling from the board’s failed attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg in September, resulting in a complete board turnover and other exec departures, including its CFO, interim CFO , and Chief Legal Officer.
Automattic’s Director of Communications, Megan Fox, posted about her departure last week on LinkedIn, saying the move was an “unexpected end” and that her role had been “eliminated.”
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