Matt Mullenweg

Matthew Charles "Matt" Mullenweg is a central figure in the world of online communication and commerce. As the co-founder of the open-source blogging platform "WordPress," which currently stands as the most popular publishing platform on the web, Mullenweg has fundamentally shaped the way information is shared and accessed.

As the CEO of Automattic and Director of the WordPress Foundation, he oversees the operations of "WordPress.com," "WooCommerce," and "Jetpack," three pivotal platforms that facilitate both individual expression and business operations on a global scale. On top of these responsibilities, Mullenweg also serves as the Principal at Audrey Capital, an investment and research firm he co-founded in 2008.

Despite his position at the top of these organizations, Mullenweg has not shied away from engaging in public discourse. In his annual "State of the Word" address, Mullenweg discussed the progress and future of WordPress, indicating his commitment to transparency and engagement with the platform's user community. His involvement in public disputes within the WordPress community, notably with WP Engine, further underscores his willingness to engage in discussions about the platform's direction. Mullenweg's commitment to open dialogue carries over to his appearances on various podcasts and public forums, where he discusses WordPress and open-source software.

Over his career, Mullenweg has received several accolades for his work. In 2016, he received the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment, a prestigious recognition of his significant contributions to these areas. Additionally, he has been recognized by numerous media outlets, including Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Inc. Magazine, TechCrunch, Fortune, Fast Company, Wired, University Philosophical Society, and Vanity Fair. Mullenweg's TED talk in February 2019, titled "Why working from home is good for business", further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the fields of technology and business.