Breaking - Washington Post publisher Will Lewis abruptly resigns amid criticism of staff cuts [View all]

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/07/washington-post-
will-lewis-resigns

Will Lewis, the Murdoch media veteran who took over as publisher and chief executive of the Washington Post in early 2024, announced abruptly on Saturday evening that he is leaving the company.

His departure comes just three days after the Post laid off nearly one-third of its entire staff, citing the need to cut costs and reposition the money-losing publication. Lewis, who did not appear on the all-staff meeting during which the cuts were announced, has faced criticism for his absence and leadership.

“All – after two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside,” Lewis wrote in an untitled email to Post staffers obtained by the Guardian. “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.”

Lewis then addressed some of the criticism that the Post has received in recent days, including from many current employees. At least 300 journalists were cut from the Post’s newsroom in one of the largest round of layoffs in American media history.