A seismic shift has rocked the Washington Post, culminating in the sudden resignation of its CEO, Will Lewis. The departure follows a week of upheaval, marked by sweeping layoffs and a dramatic restructuring of the iconic newspaper.
The cuts, described as “painful” by the organization, impacted a third of the company’s workforce. Departments were dismantled, including the entire sports desk, and the newspaper significantly scaled back its international coverage.
Employees learned of the drastic changes during a sobering webinar, instructed to remain home as leadership delivered the news. The restructuring aimed to make the Metro section more focused and eliminated the Books department entirely.
A spokesperson characterized the moves as “difficult but decisive actions” necessary to secure the future of the publication and prioritize engaging its readership. The goal, they stated, was to reinforce the distinctive journalism that defines The Post.
Will Lewis, in a brief email to staff on Saturday evening, announced his resignation after two years leading the organization. He expressed gratitude to owner Jeff Bezos for his support during his tenure.
Lewis framed his departure as a natural point for transition, suggesting the difficult decisions made were essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the newspaper and its commitment to nonpartisan reporting.
Jeff D’Onofrio has stepped into the role of acting Publisher and CEO, assuming leadership immediately. He spoke of the Post’s enduring legacy and his honor to guide its future.
D’Onofrio emphasized the newspaper’s historical role in documenting events and expressed his commitment to both preserving its legacy and strengthening its business operations. He described the Post as a “fierce, storied American institution.”
