Will Lewis has announced his resignation as CEO and publisher of The Washington Post, effective immediately, after facing increasing criticism linked to recent mass layoffs at the newspaper. In a memo to staff, Lewis expressed that it was the right time for him to step aside after overseeing two years of transformation at the paper. He thanked Jeff Bezos for his support during his tenure, indicating a high level of respect for the ownership backing.

The backlash surrounding the layoffs has intensified the scrutiny on Lewis’s leadership, raising questions about the future direction of The Washington Post as it strives to adapt to the challenging media landscape. The mass layoffs, seen as a critical decision aimed at ensuring the journalistic sustainability of the outlet, have drawn ire from both staff and industry observers alike, who argue that such actions could undermine the quality of news coverage.

Jeff D’Onofrio, previously the Chief Financial Officer of the paper, has been appointed as the acting CEO and publisher. His immediate takeover comes as The Washington Post attempts to stabilize its operations and reassure both staff and readers amidst the turmoil. As the media industry continues to face pressures from digital transformation and changing consumer habits, the new leadership will be pivotal in guiding the paper through this uncertain landscape.