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Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Resigns Days After Sweeping Layoffs

CFO Jeff D’Onofrio steps in to steer a data-driven reset following cuts that drew fierce union opposition.

Overview

  • Will Lewis’s departure took effect immediately, concluding a turbulent tenure that began in 2024.
  • Chief financial officer Jeff D’Onofrio was named acting publisher and CEO, as owner Jeff Bezos voiced support for a strategy guided by reader data.
  • The Post cut roughly one-third of staff this week—about 300 newsroom jobs—eliminated its standalone sports desk, scaled back international coverage, and suspended the Post Reports podcast.
  • Employee unions condemned the overhaul and praised Lewis’s exit, calling on Bezos to reverse the layoffs or sell the paper, while hundreds protested outside headquarters.
  • Management has cited steep losses and subscriber erosion, with reports noting about $100 million lost in 2024 and large cancellations after the paper refrained from endorsing Kamala Harris.