Big Congratulations To Ian Stewart

For those that follow Ian Stewart on Twitter, you know that he recently quit his job. He continuously hinted to something bigger happening in his life. Today, we learn what that something is. Ian Stewart has become the newest member of the Automattic team.

Today marks the first day of my employment as a Theme Wrangler with Automattic and it feels great. I’m more than excited to finally let you know what I’ve been up to for the last little bit.

According to Ian, ThemeShaper.com will be the new location for the theme team being put together at Automattic. Also, all of the child themes that contained a price tag are now free for all. Considering Ian’s work in the community with his tutorials, his Thematic Framework and his mark that will be left on anyone using the new Twenty Ten theme when it’s released with WordPress 3.0, Ian definitely deserves this position. It’s the dream job for anyone who loves WordPress with a passion. Also, Ian has recently announced on Twitter the arrival of a newborn in the near future so it has to be comforting to know that he’ll have a kick ass job to support his family.

In his announcement, I find it interesting that he mentions a theme team. Could this be a hint that more theme designers will be hired in the near future? Also, will their work be tied strictly to WordPress.com or is this more for WordPress.org? The other question I have is if the position Ian has taken has anything to do with the Theme Czar role that has been published on the Automattic Jobs page for some time. Ian certainly fulfills the requirements.

Again, congrats Ian.