WP Engine vs WordPress VIP

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.

WordPress VIP Completes SOC 2® Type 2 Examination

WordPress VIP announced the completion of its SOC 2® Type 2 examination, an independent assessment of controls relevant to the security and availability of the WordPress VIP Enterprise CMS. This follows the company's earlier SOC 2 Type I attestation and represents a significant advancement in its enterprise-grade compliance posture.

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.

WordPress VIP Named to Constellation ShortList for Content Management System (CMS) — Hybrid

WordPress VIP has been named to the Constellation ShortList for Content Management System (CMS) — Hybrid, a recognition for top offerings for digital leaders reinventing operations and transforming business models.