U.S. News
Washington Post CEO Steps Down After Layoff Fallout
Clear Facts
- Will Lewis resigned as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post following controversy tied to mass layoffs.
- Jeff D’Onofrio, previously Chief Financial Officer, was appointed as acting CEO and publisher immediately.
- The recent layoffs impacted roughly a third of Washington Post employees.
Will Lewis announced his resignation after serving two years as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post.
The move comes just days after the paper revealed significant staff cuts, triggering public backlash.
“After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside,” Lewis stated in a memo to staff.
He expressed gratitude to owner Jeff Bezos, stating the company “could not have a better owner.”
Lewis emphasized that tough decisions were made to secure a sustainable future for the Post.
Jeff D’Onofrio was named acting CEO and publisher and steps in effective immediately.
“I am honored to become part of charting that future and to take the lead in securing both the legacy and business of this fierce, storied American institution,” D’Onofrio said.
Jeff Bezos highlighted the Post’s mission and praised its leadership team for guiding the institution through a challenging period.
Reports indicate that Lewis and Bezos faced criticism for their limited presence during the layoff announcements, a responsibility left to executive editor Matt Murray.
Murray defended both leaders, saying, “I think people have different definitions of what that means but together, we all share the common desire for a thriving Post that’s growing again.”
He also confirmed that Lewis had been engaged in efforts to stabilize the paper.
Lewis had previously told staff, “People are not reading your stuff,” and stressed the need to reverse the paper’s declining fortunes.
His remarks sparked concern among employees, particularly after he was seen attending an event during the same week as the layoffs.
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