Automattic Names Interim CFO Following Executive Shake-Up

Automattic has appointed Jeremy Klaperman as its interim Chief Financial Officer, the company announced internally on Friday, September 19, 2026. Klaperman, who serves as CFO of Automattic’s WordPress VIP Enterprise business unit, steps into the role following a turbulent period that saw multiple senior executives depart.

The leadership changes stem from last week’s attempted removal of Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg. The effort ultimately backfired: the board members who voted to oust Mullenweg departed, as did then-CFO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan. Davies briefly served as interim CEO before Mullenweg reclaimed the position after a 33-hour absence. TechCrunch previously reported that Davies and Missan signed reciprocal severance deals during that window.

In a Slack post, Mullenweg noted that Klaperman had previously filled the CFO role on an interim basis when Davies was on sabbatical. He added that the reconstituted board — whose new members have not yet been announced — will still need to evaluate both internal and external candidates before making a permanent appointment.

Mullenweg also disclosed that a candidate for Chief Legal Officer had verbally accepted the position, replacing Missan. The company’s next board meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2026, at which point further announcements are expected.

In his post, Mullenweg sought to reassure staff about the company’s finances: “I have 100% confidence in our cash and financial position,” he wrote, adding that “everything is within our control and depends only on Automattic’s ability to execute.” He also confirmed that Stephen Wolfram, creator of Wolfram|Alpha and a special advisor to the company, will remain in his role.

The rapid turnover at the executive and board level suggests Automattic is still working to stabilize its leadership structure following the failed ouster attempt.