Automattic has confirmed that Matt Mullenweg has returned as chairman and CEO of the company following an attempted ouster by the board. The announcement, made on September 12, 2026, states that Mullenweg is now back in leadership with the "full support of the board."

The development resolves a period of internal uncertainty at Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, and other key tools used by millions of content creators worldwide. While the source does not detail the reasons behind the board’s initial move or the specifics of the resolution, the return of Mullenweg signals a restoration of stability at the helm of one of the internet’s most influential platforms.

For creators relying on WordPress for publishing, e-commerce, or site building, leadership continuity at Automattic is critical. Mullenweg’s long-standing vision for open-source software and decentralized publishing has shaped the platform’s evolution over nearly two decades. His return reassures users that strategic direction will remain aligned with the company’s foundational principles.

The confirmation comes amid growing attention on how major tech platforms manage governance and leadership transitions. Automattic, though privately held and operating with a distributed workforce model, plays an outsized role in the open web. Stability in its leadership affects not only internal operations but also the broader ecosystem of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs who build on its products.

As of now, Automattic has not released further commentary on governance changes or future plans. Creators and stakeholders will be watching closely for any updates on product roadmaps, policy shifts, or organizational developments that may follow this leadership resolution. For now, the message is clear: Matt Mullenweg is back in charge, with the board’s full backing.