Ex-Reddit staffer comes under fire from user claiming to be Reddit's CEO

Reddit has become one of the most visited websites on the internet. Credit: Reuters

A former employee at news and social media site Reddit may regret heading online to air his grievances with the company.

The ex-staffer, known by the screenname 'Dehrmann' started a Reddit thread to discuss his time at the San Francisco firm.

But he ended up coming in for a barrage of criticism from a user identifying themselves as Reddit's chief executive, Yishan Wong.

'Dehrmann' seemed confused as to why the website had not retained his services, writing that one "theory" was that he had raised concerns about the company giving 10% of revenue to good causes.

"Some management likes getting feedback, some doesn't," he added.

The San Francisco offices of the 'front page of the internet', Reddit. Credit: Reuters

The comment was seemingly too much for Reddit's top brass, with a matter-of-fact response issued from an account apparently belonging to Mr Wong.

It accused 'Dehrmann' of "incompetence", "not getting much work done" and making "inappropriate comments" about the company in public.

But the strongest riposte was saved for the very last line.

After pointing out that the company's policy is not to publicly criticise former employees, the user added: "Unfortunately, you have just forfeited this arrangement."