Automattic Executives Finalize $8.15M Severance Amid Leadership Shift

WHO:

Techmeme - Automattic interim CEO Mark Davies and CLO Andy Missan signed severance packages.

TechCrunch - Matt Mullenweg is the CEO of Automattic.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Mark Davies and Andy Missan signed severance packages worth $8.15 million.

TechCrunch - The severance agreements provide a year of salary and additional equity vesting if their departures qualify for the benefits.

WHEN:

Techmeme - On September 9, Automattic's board voted to put CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave.

WHY:

Techmeme - The board's decision to place Matt Mullenweg on paid leave has not been explained publicly.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 05:58 UTC)

Automattic's interim CEO Mark Davies and CLO Andy Missan have signed severance packages totaling $8.15 million, which include a year of salary and additional equity vesting if their departures qualify for the benefits. This follows the board's decision on September 9 to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave, a move that has not been publicly explained. Matt Mullenweg remains the CEO of Automattic despite the recent changes in leadership.