Atex vs WP Engine

Smarter Analytics, Built In: Inside the Kayak and Toucan Partnership

As publishers demand faster access to business insights, analytics can no longer live in a separate tool. Teams need data where they already work. That’s why Atex is partnering with Toucan to bring embedded analytics...

Automattic Execs Signed Reciprocal Severance Deals During CEO Brief Ouster

During the 33-hour window in September 2026 when Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg was placed on paid leave, interim CEO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan signed reciprocal severance agreements. These golden parachutes provide each with 12 months' salary, accelerated equity vesting, and extended health coverage. The total cost to Automattic is $8.15 million, which the company now owes both executives after Mullenweg fired them upon his return. The agreements define 'cause' narrowly and include clauses tailored to Davies's interim role. Automattic has replaced its legal counsel and is deciding whether to pay or contest the packages. The incident is linked to a broader governance struggle and ongoing litigation with WP Engine.

• Automattic's board voted to put CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave on September 9, 2026.
• Interim CEO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan signed reciprocal severance agreements on September 10, 2026.
• The severance packages include 12 months' salary, accelerated equity vesting, and health coverage, totaling $8.15 million.

WP Engine Celebrates a Decade of Growth and Innovation in Ireland

WP Engine celebrates 10 years in Ireland, highlighting growth and innovation in the region.

Mullenweg Claims He's Back in Control at Automattic

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has returned as CEO and chairman after a failed board attempt to place him on paid leave, which lasted 33 hours. Following his return, the entire board was removed: Toni Schneider resigned, while Sue Decker and Ann Dunwoody were ousted, and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan departed. Mullenweg, who controls 84% of voting shares, has since rebuilt the board with new members including author Hugh Howey, Amy Chan, and IRL co-founders Henry Khachatryan and Krutal Desai. Advisers include former Woop CTO Jaime Waydo and KISSmetrics co-founder Hiten Shah. The leadership shakeup occurs amid an ongoing trademark lawsuit with WP Engine and internal tensions, including layoffs and Mullenweg's reference to a fifth 'coup' attempt involving Silver Lake.

• Automattic's entire board was removed after a failed attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg, who returned after a 33-hour leave and remains CEO and chairman.
• Previous board members Toni Schneider (resigned), Sue Decker, and Ann Dunwoody (removed) left, along with Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan.
• Mullenweg rebuilt the board with new members Hugh Howey, Amy Chan, Henry Khachatryan, and Krutal Desai, and added advisers including Jaime Waydo, Matt Van Horn, and Hiten Shah.