Automattic Names Jeremy Klaperman Interim CFO After Executive Departures

Automattic has appointed Jeremy Klaperman as interim chief financial officer following executive departures linked to the attempted removal of CEO Matt Mullenweg.

Klaperman, CFO of the company's WordPress VIP Enterprise business unit, previously held the interim position while former CFO Mark Davies was on sabbatical. Mullenweg announced the appointment in an internal Slack message Friday.

Automattic’s Leadership Changes

The appointment follows a board dispute that briefly removed Mullenweg as CEO, with Davies serving as interim chief executive before Mullenweg returned. The board members involved in the attempted removal and several executives, including Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan, subsequently departed.

Mullenweg said the board will consider internal and external candidates for a permanent CFO. He also confirmed that a candidate had verbally accepted the chief legal officer position and expressed confidence in Automattic’s cash and financial position.

The company has yet to announce new board members, while Stephen Wolfram, creator of Wolfram|Alpha, will remain a special adviser, according to the company’s official board page. Automattic’s next board meeting is scheduled for September 23.