Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Resigns Amid Major Staff Reductions

Will Lewis has resigned as publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, effective immediately, just days after the newspaper announced layoffs impacting approximately one-third of its staff.

In a memo to employees, Lewis stated, "After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside."

Jeff D'Onofrio, who joined the Post as chief financial officer in June 2025, has been appointed acting publisher and CEO.

The recent layoffs resulted in the elimination of the sports section, reductions in foreign and local coverage, and the dismissal of the entire photographic staff.

Owner Jeff Bezos commented, "The Post has an essential journalistic mission and an extraordinary opportunity. Each and every day our readers give us a roadmap to success. The data tells us what is valuable and where to focus."

Lewis's tenure, which began in January 2024, was marked by staff reductions and organizational changes, including the departure of former executive editor Sally Buzbee.