Washington Post CEO and publisher Will Lewis is stepping aside, just days after sweeping layoffs cut deep across the storied newsroom.
Lewis confirmed his resignation in an email to staff on Saturday, Feb. 7, a message that was later shared publicly by Matt Viser, the Post’s White House bureau chief, on X.
“After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside,” Lewis wrote. He also thanked owner Jeff Bezos for his backing, adding, “The institution could not have a better owner.”
The announcement comes amid one of the most turbulent periods in the newspaper’s recent history. Earlier this week, hundreds of employees were laid off as part of a broad restructuring effort at the Washington, D.C.–based outlet. Several desks were shut down entirely, underscoring the scale of the changes.
According to Reuters, Jeff D’Onofrio, the Post’s chief financial officer, will take over as acting CEO and publisher.
Layoffs reshape newsroom
The Associated Press reported that roughly one-third of the Post’s workforce across all departments was eliminated in the layoffs. Journalists in the sports and books sections were affected, along with international correspondents and staff behind the *Post Reports* podcast. Reuters also noted impending changes to the paper’s Washington-area news and editing teams.
Outside the Post’s headquarters, employees and supporters gathered earlier this week for a “Save the Post” rally, reflecting growing concern about the paper’s direction and the future of legacy journalism.
Lewis, who became CEO and publisher in January 2024, acknowledged the toll of the decisions made under his leadership.
“During my tenure, difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of *The Post* so it can for many years ahead publish high-quality, nonpartisan news to millions of customers each day,” he said.
Financial pressures under Bezos ownership
The Washington Post, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has faced mounting financial challenges in recent years. In 2023, the paper offered voluntary separation packages across multiple departments after reporting losses of approximately $100 million, according to Reuters.
Bezos has pushed for aggressive cost-cutting as the media industry continues to grapple with declining advertising revenue, shrinking subscriptions, and shifting audience habits.
Lewis’ departure marks a significant leadership change at a moment when the Post is attempting to redefine itself — and survive — in an increasingly unforgiving media landscape. Photo by Daniel X. O'Neil from USA, Wikimedia commons.
