Automattic’s CEO Matt Mullenweg has installed a new board and a slate of advisers after a failed attempt by the previous directors to put him on leave. The reconstituted board includes novelist Hugh Howey, breakup-advice author Amy Chan, and IRL co-founders Henry Khachatryan and Krutal Desai; advisers added include former Whoop CTO Jaime Waydo, June co-founder Matt Van Horn, and Hiten Shah. Mullenweg announced the changes internally and framed the shakeup as attracting “amazing supporters,” saying the company faces transformative months ahead that will shape its next two decades.
The board overhaul follows a 33-hour period in which the prior board voted to place Mullenweg on paid leave; he used his voting-share control (reportedly the vast majority of votes) to retake control, accept resignations or remove directors, and oust the CFO and chief legal officer. The move also included replacing legal counsel with Susman Godfrey and comes amid ongoing litigation with WP Engine and scrutiny over that company’s claims, including allegations about evidence handling. The inclusion of IRL’s founders is notable given that app’s shutdown after investigations found its user base was largely bots and subsequent investor lawsuits. Mullenweg maintains Automattic’s mission and priorities remain unchanged.
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Japan is tightening rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency, including income, language, and pension requirements. These changes are causing uncertainty for immigrants like Abdul, who is reconsidering his future in Japan. (aljazeera.com)
A network of Spanish corporate leaders shares ties through elite consulting firms, business schools, and government roles, creating a powerful influence web. McKinsey & Company plays a significant role, with many top executives having worked there and applying its strategies in major mergers and corporate decisions. (english.elpais.com)
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