Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Steps Down Amid Mass Layoffs
Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Steps Down Amid Mass Layoffs
Will Lewis exits as Jeff D’Onofrio steps in as interim CEO after sweeping job cuts that sparked protests and subscriber backlash.
On Saturday, the Washington Post announced that chief executive and publisher Will Lewis is stepping down with immediate effect, ending a tenure many described as tumultuous as the paper grapples with sinking profits and a challenging media landscape.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by Jeff D’Onofrio, who has served as chief financial officer and is described as a former CEO of Tumblr. The change was communicated to staff as a leadership transition.
The paper has been shrinking its workforce to cut losses. The Post has not disclosed exact numbers, but reports indicate roughly 300 of its 800 journalists were laid off across overseas, local and sports desks. The entire Middle East roster and the Kyiv-based Ukraine desk were among those affected, along with significant cuts in graphics and local news, and the daily Post Reports podcast was suspended.
Public reaction was swift, with hundreds gathering outside the paper's headquarters in downtown Washington to protest. Subscribers and many staff criticized management's approach, while others urged calm and a steady hand during the transition.
In an internal email, Lewis said stepping aside was the right move, and the Post said D’Onofrio would take over immediately as interim CEO. The newsroom shake-up comes as the broader newspaper industry contends with declining revenues and subscriber churn, leaving questions about the Post's continuing strategy and its ability to balance journalism with a sustainable business model.
