During the meeting where the decision was made, Davies was appointed as interim CEO, a resolution Mullenweg says he voted against after his request for a legal review was denied.
The leadership change follows a period of significant internal and external turbulence for the web development giant.
Mullenweg has recently been involved in a high-profile legal conflict with WP Engine and implemented controversial "alignment offers," which resulted in 159 employees leaving the company after they were given the choice to either support his management direction or resign with severance.
Board member Toni Schneider noted that while Davies will steer the company’s operations for now, the board still expects Mullenweg to retain his seat and contribute to future decision-making.
In his new role as interim lead, Davies informed staff that the company will prioritize transparency and teamwork during the transition, though he noted it would take time to fully get up to speed.
The shift in command affects a massive segment of the internet infrastructure, as Automattic manages critical platforms including WordPress.com and Pocket Casts.
Despite the sudden removal of its founder from daily operations, Davies stated that there are currently no plans to change the company's fundamental business mechanisms or products.