One of the most recognizable figures at Acquia and within the Drupal community is, without a doubt, Dries Buytaert—the company’s co-founder more than 17 years ago. Just days after serving as the public face of DrupalCon in Singapore and outlining all the latest developments, Buytaert announced he will transition into a new role at Acquia: Executive Chairman.
He states that the company “is stronger than ever and at its best,” and therefore believes this move is beneficial for both sides. This slightly contrasts with recent reports on Acquia, which not long ago carried out a significant round of layoffs.
In addition to seeing this as the right business decision, Buytaert explains his main reasons for the move, saying he wants to devote more time to his loved ones and other passions like his personal blog: “I made this decision so I can better balance my time and focus on what matters most. I look forward to spending more time with family and friends, and pursuing my personal passions.”
Given this transition, the question naturally arises whether he will sideline Drupal in his new role. Buytaert swiftly dispelled any such speculation, confirming that he will continue to spearhead all Drupal-related initiatives and open-source projects he currently leads.
With his new position at Acquia, it appears he will also be seeking greater accessibility and a better user experience for customers. This aligns with initiatives the company has been pursuing for months—particularly with the acquisition of Monsido at the end of 2023—aimed at building a better digital future, one that is inclusive, accessible, and sets new benchmarks for performance and quality.
Looking beyond his new path at Acquia, the coming days will be critical for Buytaert with the launch of one of his flagship projects: Drupal CMS. It finds itself in an almost ideal position to capitalize on ongoing turmoil, especially after recent problems within WordPress.
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