Washington Post CEO resigns after sweeping layoffs

Will Lewis resigned as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post on February 8, 2026, after two years marked by significant turmoil. His departure followed sweeping layoffs that cut a third of the newspaper's staff, including entire teams like the Middle East roster and the Kyiv correspondent. Lewis cited "transformation" as the reason for his exit, with CFO Jeff D’Onofrio immediately stepping in as his replacement. His tenure was plagued by financial losses, editorial independence concerns, and controversy surrounding a potential editor hire. The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, experienced subscriber decline and revenue loss during Lewis's leadership.

Will Lewis is stepping down as CEO of The Washington Post shortly after the newspaper announced significant layoffs, impacting a third of its workforce and scaling back sports and international coverage. The cuts, which included the entire Middle East staff and the Kyiv correspondent, were met with widespread criticism and protests. Lewis, who joined the Post in 2023, cited the need for "difficult decisions" to ensure the paper's future amidst financial losses. Jeff D'Onofrio, the current CFO, will serve as acting publisher and CEO. The layoffs and Lewis's departure represent the latest upheaval at the Post, which has faced staff cuts and controversial editorial decisions since being acquired by Jeff Bezos in 2013.

Will Lewis resigned as publisher and CEO of The Washington Post on Saturday, following the announcement of significant layoffs affecting a third of the newspaper's staff earlier in the week. Lewis, who took over the position in January 2024 after previously working at The Wall Street Journal, cited the need for "difficult decisions" to ensure the Post's future sustainability. Neither Lewis nor owner Jeff Bezos participated in the staff meeting where the layoffs were announced. Jeff D’Onofrio, the Post's chief financial officer who joined in June, has been appointed as the acting publisher and CEO. The staff reductions and Lewis's departure come amid ongoing challenges at the newspaper.