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Automattic, the company behind WordPress, Tumblr and other web-based applications, said its six-member board voted on Sept. 9 to place chief executive Matt Mullenweg on leave.

The decision appeared to come unexpectedly. Mullenweg had recently returned from his annual trip to Burning Man, while the board consisted largely of directors who had mentored him for years.

A sudden leadership decision

The board’s vote marks a significant change for a company led by Mullenweg, who has been closely connected to Automattic’s development and its portfolio of online platforms. The available information does not state how long the leave will last or provide a reason for the decision.

The timing also stood out because of Mullenweg’s recent return from Burning Man and the board’s established relationship with him. Those circumstances made the action appear less expected, despite the vote being taken by directors with longstanding ties to the CEO.

What is known about Automattic

Automattic owns WordPress, Tumblr and other web-based apps. The company’s six-member board is the body that approved the leave, but no further details about the company’s next steps are provided.

For now, the central development is the board’s decision to place Mullenweg on leave. Further information would be needed to assess the effect on Automattic’s operations or its platforms.