Automattic Layoffs Hit WordPress.com After Failed Board Ouster
Automattic cuts roles across WordPress.com, VIP, communications and social teams after board turmoil, with more layoffs expected before June debt talks.
Summary
As of October 21, 2026, Automattic, parent of WordPress.com, WooCommerce and Tumblr, had begun layoffs spanning at least a week. Cuts affected communications, social, WordPress.com marketing and product, and the VIP enterprise business, with further reductions expected over coming months. Director of Communications Megan Fox said her eliminated role brought an unexpected departure. Automattic lists 1,397 employees, but no layoff total has been disclosed.
The cuts follow September’s failed board attempt to remove CEO Matt Mullenweg, which led to complete board turnover and departures by the CFO, interim CFO and Chief Legal Officer. Interim CFO Jeremy Klaperman left earlier in October after Automattic sought external candidates; Mullenweg publicly suggested Klaperman may have been offended, although he had internally asked him to reconsider. Mullenweg also posted a departed executive’s spouse’s health information in Slack, discussing disputed COBRA coverage, a possible lawsuit and his fiancée’s experience with the same condition, shocking some employees. Mullenweg said terminations were within normal levels and that Wednesday’s priority was an internet-wide PHP security issue. Further cuts are expected to support fourth-quarter revenue before a June debt renegotiation.
Positives
- Automattic is seeking external candidates for its permanent chief financial officer position.
- Matt Mullenweg prioritized a PHP security issue affecting the internet on Wednesday.
- Planned cost reductions are intended to improve Automattic’s fourth-quarter revenue before its June debt renegotiation.
Risks & concerns
- Layoffs have reached communications, social, WordPress.com marketing and product, and the VIP enterprise business.
- September’s failed attempt to oust Matt Mullenweg triggered complete board turnover and multiple senior executive departures.
- Jeremy Klaperman left as interim CFO earlier in October, only weeks after the board upheaval.
- Mullenweg disclosed a departed executive’s private family health matter in Slack, alarming some employees.
- Further layoffs are expected over coming months, while Automattic has disclosed no total for affected staff.