Washington Post CEO Will Lewis steps down after mass layoffs

Washington Post CEO and publisher Will Lewis announced he is stepping down after the paper announced mass layoffs; Jeff D'Onofrio has been named acting CEO and publisher effective immediately.

Will Lewis announced he is stepping down as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post after the company announced sweeping staff reductions. The departures follow an internal effort described by leaders as necessary for the paper’s financial sustainability. The announcement and ensuing criticism drew public attention to recent organizational changes. Jeff D'Onofrio, who joined the paper last year as chief financial officer, was named acting CEO and publisher effective immediately. Key facts: - Will Lewis said in a memo that now is the right time for him to step aside and thanked owner Jeff Bezos, a copy of which was shared on X by a Post reporter. - The Post recently announced mass layoffs that the reporting describes as affecting roughly a third of employees and included elimination of the sports department. - Jeff D'Onofrio has been appointed acting CEO and publisher effective immediately. - Jeff Bezos and executive editor Matt Murray issued statements emphasizing the paper’s journalistic mission; Murray defended the leadership choices in interviews. Summary: The Post is undergoing an immediate leadership transition while managing the impact of recent staff reductions. Further decisions about the paper’s long-term staffing and strategy are undetermined at this time.