Automattic Names Jeremy Klaperman Interim CFO Following Boardroom Shakeup and Matt Mullenweg’s Return

Automattic, the prominent web development company behind WordPress, WooCommerce, and WordPress VIP, has appointed Jeremy Klaperman as its new interim Chief Financial Officer. Klaperman previously served as the CFO of the company’s enterprise-focused WordPress VIP business unit. The leadership transition, communicated internally to employees on a Friday via Slack by returning CEO Matt Mullenweg, follows a tumultuous period of boardroom conflict, an attempted executive ouster, and the subsequent departure of several high-ranking corporate officers.

The structural changes at Automattic mark a critical turning point for the enterprise as it attempts to stabilize its internal operations and regain investor and employee confidence. The company is navigating a delicate transitional phase following a brief but intense corporate governance crisis that played out in public and private channels alike.

Main Facts and Leadership Changes

Jeremy Klaperman steps into the interim CFO role immediately, filling the vacancy left by Mark Davies. Davies departed the company in the wake of an attempted boardroom coup that briefly removed Mullenweg from power. According to Mullenweg’s internal communications, Klaperman is well-acquainted with the responsibilities of the position, having previously stepped in as Automattic’s acting CFO while Davies was on sabbatical.

While Klaperman assumes financial oversight on an interim basis, the company’s newly evolving board of directors will ultimately evaluate both internal and external candidates before making a permanent appointment.

In tandem with the CFO appointment, Mullenweg announced that a candidate for the position of Chief Legal Officer has verbally accepted the role. This incoming executive will replace former Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan, who also exited the company alongside Davies. The simultaneous departure of key legal and financial figures highlights the sweeping nature of the executive restructuring currently underway at Automattic.

Despite the turbulence, Mullenweg sought to project absolute stability regarding the company’s fiscal health. In his concluding remarks to staff, he wrote, “I have 100% confidence in our cash and financial position. There is still work to do, but everything is within our control and depends only on Automattic’s ability to execute.”

Chronology of the Crisis

The events leading up to Klaperman’s appointment unfolded rapidly over a matter of days in September 2026, catching the broader tech industry off guard. The sequence of events underscores the fragility of corporate governance structures even within modern, distributed tech giants.

• September 9, 2026: Automattic’s board of directors votes to force CEO Matt Mullenweg into a leave of absence, effectively attempting to oust him from the company he co-founded. Mark Davies, then serving as CFO, is installed as interim CEO.
• September 12, 2026: Following a fierce internal and external standoff lasting roughly 33 hours, Automattic confirms that Mullenweg has successfully returned to the position of CEO, reversing the board’s earlier decision.
• September 16, 2026: Investigative reports reveal that during Mullenweg’s brief removal, interim CEO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan signed reciprocal severance deals with the company. Shortly thereafter, both executives part ways with Automattic.
• September 18, 2026: Mullenweg announces Jeremy Klaperman as the new interim CFO via Slack and notes that a new Chief Legal Officer has verbally accepted the position. He also confirms that special advisor and Wolfram|Alpha creator Stephen Wolfram will remain in his board position.
• September 23, 2026: Automattic is scheduled to hold its next board meeting, where further announcements regarding the composition of the new board are anticipated.

Supporting Data and Corporate Context

Automattic operates as a titan in the content management system (CMS) landscape. Powering over 40% of all websites on the internet through the open-source WordPress software, the company monetizes its ecosystem through managed hosting (WordPress.com), enterprise solutions (WordPress VIP), and e-commerce infrastructure (WooCommerce).

The enterprise wing, WordPress VIP, represents a significant engine of corporate revenue, serving major media outlets, global enterprises, and government agencies. Klaperman’s background as CFO of this specific high-stakes business unit provides him with deep familiarity with Automattic’s revenue streams, enterprise sales cycles, and large-scale operational costs.

The company’s financial position has historically been bolstered by substantial venture backing and steady revenue growth from its VIP and commercial tiers. However, managing a globally distributed workforce of over 2,000 employees while balancing open-source community governance with corporate profitability demands rigorous financial controls—making the CFO role one of the most critical positions within the organizational hierarchy.

Official Responses and Internal Communications

The executive communications managed by Mullenweg have emphasized continuity and execution. By leaning on internal talent like Klaperman—who has a proven track record within the organization—Automattic aims to minimize operational disruption.

Regarding the board of directors, the fallout from the attempted ouster resulted in the immediate departure of the board members who voted against Mullenweg. While the identities of the new board members have not yet been publicly disclosed, Mullenweg advised employees to “stay tuned” for forthcoming announcements.

Stephen Wolfram, the renowned scientist, programmer, and creator of Wolfram|Alpha, remains a steady hand on the board as a special advisor. His continued presence provides a measure of institutional memory and independent oversight as the company rebuilds its governing body ahead of the September 23 board meeting.

Broader Impact and Implications

The recent boardroom drama and subsequent executive turnover highlight ongoing tensions within the tech sector regarding corporate governance, founder control, and fiduciary responsibilities. Startups and mature tech companies alike often struggle to balance the visionary ambitions of a founder-CEO with the risk-averse oversight traditionally demanded by corporate boards and institutional investors.

For Automattic, the swift consolidation of power back to Mullenweg signals that the company’s foundational leadership remains intact, but the departure of key administrative officers—namely the CFO and the Chief Legal Officer—leaves a temporary vacuum in corporate compliance and financial administration.

The immediate implications of Klaperman’s appointment are largely positive for internal morale, as he represents continuity rather than a disruptive external hire during a delicate period. However, the long-term trajectory of Automattic will heavily depend on the composition of the new board of directors and their alignment with Mullenweg’s strategic vision.

As the company prepares for its upcoming board meeting, stakeholders across the open-source community, enterprise clients, and the tech industry at large will be watching closely to see how Automattic stabilizes its governance structure and continues to scale its commercial operations in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.