Automattic Names Jeremy Klaperman Interim CFO After Failed Mullenweg Ouster
Automattic names Jeremy Klaperman interim CFO after Matt Mullenweg's failed ouster, with legal and board appointments still pending at Automattic.
Summary
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg named Jeremy Klaperman interim Chief Financial Officer internally on Friday, September 18, 2026. Klaperman leads finance for the WordPress VIP Enterprise business unit and previously covered Automattic’s CFO duties while Mark Davies was on sabbatical. The appointment follows last week’s failed attempt to remove Mullenweg, after which the board members who voted against him departed alongside Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan. Davies briefly served as interim CEO during Mullenweg’s 33 hour absence, when Davies and Missan signed reciprocal severance agreements, before Mullenweg returned.
A still unnamed Chief Legal Officer candidate has verbally accepted the role, while new board members remain unannounced. The board must consider internal and external candidates before selecting a permanent CFO, with its next meeting scheduled for September 23, 2026. Special adviser and Wolfram|Alpha creator Stephen Wolfram will remain. Mullenweg expressed 100 percent confidence in Automattic’s cash and financial position, while acknowledging that further work depends on the company’s execution.
Positives
- Jeremy Klaperman previously handled Automattic’s CFO responsibilities while Mark Davies was on sabbatical.
- An unnamed Chief Legal Officer candidate has verbally accepted the position vacated by Andy Missan.
- Stephen Wolfram, creator of Wolfram|Alpha, will continue serving as Automattic’s special adviser.
- Matt Mullenweg expressed 100 percent confidence in Automattic’s cash and financial position.
Risks & concerns
- Last week’s failed attempt to oust Matt Mullenweg ended with the departure of opposing board members and senior executives.
- Mark Davies and Andy Missan signed reciprocal severance agreements during Mullenweg’s 33 hour absence.
- Automattic still lacks a permanent CFO, with internal and external candidates awaiting evaluation.
- New board members remain unannounced ahead of the scheduled September 23, 2026 meeting.