Automattic CEO and WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg announced a new Executive Director for WordPress.org following the resignation of the previous director. Social media reactions were generally positive but somewhat muted, with many comments centered on the recent WordPress controversy.
New Executive Director
Mullenweg announced that Mary Hubbard has been appointed as the new Executive Director. Hubbard, who previously served as the Chief Product Officer for WordPress.com since 2020, will start her new role on October 21st. She recently stepped down as the Head of TikTok Americas, Governance and Experience.
The Executive Director position at WordPress.org became available after the resignation of 8.4% of Automattic employees, including the former Executive Director, Josepha Haden Chomphosy. Mullenweg offered employees who wished to leave a severance package of $30,000 or six months’ pay, whichever was higher. This offer followed recent tensions between Automattic, Mullenweg, and WP Engine (WPE), which led to WPE filing a federal lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic, accusing them of attempted extortion.
Muted Response To Announcement
A post in the popular Dynamic WordPress Facebook Group received 21 responses within seven hours, primarily involving discussions about the recent drama and Mullenweg’s ownership of WordPress.org. Meanwhile, the official announcement on X prompted mixed reactions, with similar numbers welcoming Hubbard and expressing discontent about recent developments.
Within seven hours of the announcement, there were 15 responses, 21 retweets, and 117 likes.
Typical Expressions Of Welcome
- "Welcome!" — Robert Jacobi
- "Welcome Mary!" — Michael Potter
Typical Other Responses
- "What does the E.D. do for [WordPress.org]? Is [WordPress.org] part of the Foundation? Part of Automattic? Something else? Unlike WPEngine, the distinctions between these organizations, their ownership, and governance are incredibly confusing." — Jeff Severson
- "’Our’? I thought Matt owns this establishment, with the foundation having nothing to do with it. 🤨🤷" — Viktor Nagornyy
- "Fire @photomatt" — Shay Grafdelver
Read the official announcement on WordPress.org
Please Welcome Mary Hubbard
Featured Image by Shutterstock/michaelheim
