Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Steps Down Amid Financial Turmoil and Layoffs
In a significant development for the media industry, Will Lewis, the publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, announced his resignation on Saturday, February 8th. This move comes shortly after the organization implemented major layoffs affecting more than 300 employees, highlighting ongoing financial struggles within the publication.
Financial Pressures Lead to Leadership Change
The resignation of Will Lewis underscores a period of intense financial strain at The Washington Post. Reports indicate that the publication has faced losses totaling $177 million over the past two years, prompting drastic measures to restore profitability. Approximately one-third of the staff was impacted by the recent layoffs, which were described as necessary to achieve long-term financial stability. In his farewell message to employees, Lewis stated, 'Now is the right time to step aside,' expressing gratitude for the support from the newspaper's owner and emphasizing his commitment to protecting the publication's mission during his tenure.
Jeff D'Onofrio Appointed as Acting Publisher and CEO
Following Lewis's departure, Jeff D'Onofrio has been named the acting publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, effective immediately. D'Onofrio brings a robust background in digital media, having served as the Chief Financial Officer at the publication since June 2025. His appointment marks a strategic shift as the organization seeks to navigate its financial challenges.
Background and Career of Jeff D'Onofrio
Jeff D'Onofrio's professional journey is marked by extensive experience in key roles across the tech and media sectors:
- Education: He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Penn State University and an MBA from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, completed in 2009.
- Volunteering: D'Onofrio has served as a Board Trustee at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, focusing on fundraising and corporate sponsorship initiatives.
- Industry Experience: His career includes over two years in Business Operations at Google, followed by roles as Chief Financial Officer at Yahoo and Tumblr for more than eight years. He later served as CEO of Tumblr for over four years.
- Role at Raptive: At Raptive, a leading digital ad management company, D'Onofrio was the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing a portfolio of 6,000 creators and publishers. He managed finance, human resources, and data analytics teams, negotiating key acquisitions that drove profit growth.
- Current Position: After nine months as CFO at The Washington Post, D'Onofrio steps into the top leadership role, tasked with steering the publication through its financial recovery.
Impact of Layoffs on the Organization
The recent layoffs at The Washington Post have had a profound effect, with nearly 300 journalists losing their jobs. Many of these cuts were concentrated in the sports and foreign news teams, reflecting broader industry trends and the publication's efforts to streamline operations. This restructuring aims to address the $177 million in losses and develop a more sustainable financial model moving forward.
As Jeff D'Onofrio assumes leadership, the focus will be on leveraging his digital expertise to enhance revenue streams and stabilize the organization. The transition comes at a critical juncture for The Washington Post, as it seeks to balance journalistic integrity with economic viability in an evolving media landscape.
