Automattic vs WordPress

AI Leaders Discuss Pacing Frontier AI Development

A TechCrunch video feature discusses the proposal by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to 'pace the frontier' of AI development, following a doomsday warning from an Anthropic researcher. The plan involves independent safety evaluators and coordination among AI labs in democratic countries. It has received industry support from companies like OpenAI and Google, but also pushback from Nvidia's Jensen Huang, who opposes slowing down AI advancements. The video also covers other topics, including WordPress parent Automattic's boardroom coup and major deals of the week. The discussion explores the feasibility of companies agreeing on what slowing down means and who would enforce it.

• Dario Amodei outlined a plan to 'pace the frontier' of AI development.
• The plan includes independent safety evaluators and coordination between AI labs in democratic countries.
• Nvidia's Jensen Huang pushed back against the proposal.

Automattic names interim CFO after executive departures

Automattic has appointed Jeremy Klaperman, CFO of its WordPress VIP Enterprise unit, as interim CFO following the departure of former CFO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan. The changes come after an attempted board ouster of CEO Matt Mullenweg, who has since returned. Mullenweg announced the appointment internally and indicated that the board will evaluate internal and external candidates for the permanent CFO role. A candidate for chief legal officer has also verbally accepted the position. Mullenweg expressed confidence in the company's financial position, stating that everything is within control and depends on execution. The next board meeting is scheduled for September 23.

• Automattic named Jeremy Klaperman as interim CFO.
• Jeremy Klaperman is CFO of WordPress VIP Enterprise.
• Former CFO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan departed.

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.

WordPress 7.1.2 Release

WordPress 7.1.2 maintenance and security release announced on September 22, 2026.

WordPress Takes Its Turn Leading the Open Website Alliance

WordPress announced it is taking its turn leading the Open Website Alliance, as highlighted in the latest news post on the WordPress.org news page.

WordPress 7.1.1 Maintenance and Security Release

WordPress 7.1.1 maintenance and security release published on September 17, 2026.