Washington Post CEO Steps Down Amid Backlash Over Mass Layoffs

Will Lewis resigns as CEO and publisher after two years of "transformation" at the newspaper.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Washington Post announced on Saturday that its CEO and publisher, Will Lewis, has stepped down following intense backlash over the company's mass layoffs earlier this week. Jeff D'Onofrio, the paper's Chief Financial Officer, has been named as the acting CEO and publisher effective immediately.

Why it matters

The Washington Post's mass layoffs, which impacted a third of all employees, drew significant criticism, with many accusing CEO Will Lewis and owner Jeff Bezos of being absent during the difficult announcement. Lewis' resignation comes as the Post aims to secure its financial future and remain a leading journalistic institution.

The details

In a memo to staff, Lewis said "After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside." He thanked Bezos for his support and leadership, noting that "difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post so it can for many years ahead publish high-quality nonpartisan news to millions of customers each day." Jeff D'Onofrio, who joined the Post last June as Chief Financial Officer, will now serve as the acting CEO and publisher.

  • On February 8, 2026, Will Lewis announced his resignation as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post.
  • The mass layoffs at The Washington Post occurred earlier this week, prior to Lewis' resignation.

The players

Will Lewis

The former CEO and publisher of The Washington Post, who has stepped down from his role amid backlash over the company's mass layoffs.

Jeff Bezos

The owner of The Washington Post, who Bezos said is positioned to help lead the newspaper into an "exciting and thriving next chapter."

Jeff D'Onofrio

The Chief Financial Officer of The Washington Post, who has been named the acting CEO and publisher effective immediately.

Matt Murray

The executive editor of The Washington Post, who defended both Bezos and Lewis amid the backlash over the mass layoffs.

Adam O'Neal

The opinion editor of The Washington Post, who Bezos said is positioned to help lead the newspaper into an "exciting and thriving next chapter."

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What they’re saying

“After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside. I want to thank Jeff Bezos for this support and leadership throughout my tenure as CEO and Publisher. The institution could not have a better owner.”

— Will Lewis, Former CEO and Publisher, The Washington Post (The Washington Post)

“The Post's resolute commitment to writing the first rough draft of history anchors and imprints its future. 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.”

— Jeff D'Onofrio, Acting CEO and Publisher, The Washington Post (The Washington Post)

“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. Jeff, along with [Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray and opinion editor Adam O'Neal], are positioned to lead The Post into an exciting and thriving next chapter.”

— Jeff Bezos (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The Washington Post will continue its search for a permanent CEO and publisher to lead the newspaper into the future.

The takeaway

The resignation of Washington Post CEO Will Lewis amid backlash over mass layoffs underscores the challenges facing traditional media companies as they navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Post's new leadership team, including acting CEO Jeff D'Onofrio and owner Jeff Bezos, will be tasked with steering the iconic newspaper towards a more sustainable and successful future.