Washington Post Publisher Steps Down After Layoffs

Will Lewis departs the newspaper just days after it cut a third of its newsroom staff.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three days after The Washington Post cut 240 jobs from its newsroom, publisher and CEO Will Lewis announced his immediate departure from the storied newspaper. Lewis had joined the Post in 2024, pledging an 'extremely exciting way forward,' but his tenure was marked by difficult decisions, including last week's layoffs that eliminated the sports and books sections and diminished the local and international teams.

Why it matters

The Washington Post, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos since 2013, is one of the most influential newspapers in the United States. Lewis' abrupt departure raises questions about the Post's future direction and its ability to maintain high-quality, nonpartisan journalism in the face of financial pressures.

The details

Will Lewis, a British media executive, was brought in as CEO and publisher of the Washington Post in January 2024. Just two years later, he announced his immediate departure, citing the 'transformation' the newspaper has undergone during his tenure. The announcement came just three days after the Post laid off over 300 journalists, a move that eliminated the sports and books sections and diminished the local and international teams.

  • On February 8, 2026, Will Lewis announced his departure as publisher and CEO of the Washington Post.
  • On February 5, 2026, the Washington Post cut 240 jobs from its newsroom, a third of its staff.

The players

Will Lewis

The former publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, who announced his immediate departure from the newspaper just days after it underwent major layoffs.

Jeff Bezos

The founder of Amazon, who has owned the Washington Post since 2013.

Jeff D'Onofrio

The CFO of the Washington Post, who has taken over as acting publisher and CEO following Lewis' departure.

Matt Murray

The executive editor of the Washington Post.

Adam O'Neal

The opinion editor of the Washington Post.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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 Bezos (The Washington Post)

“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 his 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)

What’s next

The Washington Post's CFO, Jeff D'Onofrio, has taken over as acting publisher and CEO following Will Lewis' departure. The newspaper's executive editor, Matt Murray, and opinion editor, Adam O'Neal, are also positioned to help lead the Post into the future.

The takeaway

The abrupt departure of the Washington Post's publisher, just days after the newspaper underwent significant layoffs, underscores the financial pressures facing even the most prestigious media institutions. As the Post navigates this transition, questions remain about its ability to maintain its commitment to high-quality, nonpartisan journalism in the face of these challenges.