Automattic Taps WordPress VIP CFO for Interim Finance Lead

Automattic has appointed Jeremy Klaperman as interim chief financial officer, according to reporting from TechCrunch. Klaperman previously served as the CFO for the company's WordPress VIP Enterprise business unit.

The appointment comes amid significant leadership volatility. TechCrunch reports that the move follows a failed attempt by the board to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg, which resulted in the departure of the board members who voted against him. Other executive exits include former CFO Mark Davies—who briefly served as interim CEO—and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan. TechCrunch notes that Davies and Missan signed reciprocal severance deals during a 33-hour period in which Mullenweg was absent from the company.

In an internal Slack post, Mullenweg stated that Klaperman had previously filled the CFO role while Davies was on sabbatical. Mullenweg indicated that the board, whose new members have not yet been named, will evaluate both internal and external candidates for the permanent position. He also announced that a new chief legal officer has verbally accepted a role to replace Missan.

While the company prepares for a board meeting on September 23, Mullenweg expressed "100% confidence" in Automattic's financial position and cash flow, stating that success now depends on the company's ability to execute. Additionally, Mullenweg confirmed that Stephen Wolfram, the creator of Wolfram|Alpha and a special advisor to the company, will remain in his current position.