What Happened
Two major tech companies faced pivotal leadership changes on September 9, 2026. At Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, CEO and co-founder Matt Mullenweg was placed on a leave of absence. According to a message Mullenweg posted on the company’s Slack, which was viewed by 404 Media, he claimed that board members had "conspired" behind his back to vote for his leave. This development introduces uncertainty at the top of a company central to the global publishing and content management ecosystem source.
Meanwhile, at Apple, newly appointed CEO John Ternus delivered his first keynote address. In this appearance, Ternus made it clear that the iPhone remains central to Apple’s strategy, echoing a move from Steve Jobs 25 years ago. Ternus is drawing on historical strategies as he sets the tone for his tenure source.
What Changed
Automattic’s board has taken decisive action by sidelining its longtime leader and co-founder, an unusual step that signals internal conflict and could have repercussions for the company’s direction. Mullenweg’s claim of a board conspiracy points to significant governance challenges within one of the internet’s most influential open-source organizations.
At Apple, the CEO transition marks more of a philosophical than personnel shift. Ternus’s keynote, emphasizing the ongoing importance of the iPhone, signals a recommitment to core products rather than aggressive diversification or immediate reinvention. By reviving a strategy reminiscent of Steve Jobs, Ternus is positioning Apple to build on its existing strengths rather than pivot sharply.
Why These Stories Matter Together
Both stories highlight the importance of leadership stability and vision in tech. Automattic’s sudden CEO change raises questions about internal alignment and the future of WordPress, a platform powering much of the web. Apple’s new CEO, meanwhile, is leveraging the company’s history to maintain stability and reassure stakeholders during a leadership transition. For DailyDrops readers, these developments underscore how boardroom decisions and strategic messaging can reshape the trajectory of even the most established tech companies.
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Key Stats
- Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, was placed on leave by Automattic’s board, as confirmed by a company-wide Slack message source.
- John Ternus delivered his first keynote as Apple CEO, emphasizing the iPhone’s continued importance source.
What's Next
Automattic will need to address the leadership vacuum and potential fallout from Mullenweg’s departure, both internally and among WordPress’s vast user base. The company’s board will likely face scrutiny over governance and future direction.
At Apple, all eyes will be on John Ternus as he implements his vision. Stakeholders will watch closely to see how a return to Steve Jobs-era strategies translates in today’s vastly different tech landscape, especially as Apple continues to rely on the iPhone as its flagship product.
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