A Leadership Shakeup at The Washington Post
In a dramatic turn following widespread layoffs, Jeff D’Onofrio has been named acting Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of The Washington Post, stepping into the top leadership role as the storied newspaper navigates a turbulent moment in its history.
Mass Layoffs and Sudden Departure of Will Lewis
The leadership change comes just days after The Washington Post announced significant job cuts affecting roughly one-third of its workforce—a move that drew sharp backlash from staff and media observers. Longtime CEO and publisher Will Lewis stepped down amid the fallout.
From CFO to CEO: D’Onofrio’s New Role
D’Onofrio had been serving as the newspaper’s Chief Financial Officer since June 2025 and was appointed acting CEO immediately following Lewis’s resignation. His ascension places a finance executive in charge at a time of internal unrest and strategic reorientation.
Early Life and Education
A graduate of Penn State University and holder of an MBA from Cornell University, D’Onofrio built his career managing finance, strategy, and operations across media and technology sectors before joining The Post.
Career Highlights Before The Washington Post
Before his current role, D’Onofrio held senior roles including CFO at Zagat — helping negotiate its sale to Google — and later leadership positions at Tumblr, where he became CEO and led major policy shifts. He also briefly oversaw Yahoo News operations before moving into digital media finance.
The Tumblr Chapter: Controversial Decisions
At Tumblr, D’Onofrio made headlines for banning adult content on the social platform — a decision that preceded a notable drop in user engagement but marked a strategic shift in content moderation and platform identity.
A Leader With Limited Traditional Journalism Roots
Analysts note that while D’Onofrio brings strong experience in business and tech, he has limited background in traditional newsroom journalism — a contrast with many former leaders of the newspaper industry.
Challenges at the Nation’s Capital Newspaper
His leadership begins at a difficult time: criticism over layoffs, questions from the newsroom’s union, and pressure to balance editorial quality with financial sustainability after declines in advertising and subscriber numbers.
Response From Inside the Paper
Staff reaction has been mixed. Some hope new leadership can stabilize operations and rebuild morale, while others remain skeptical about the paper’s direction amid ongoing cuts and management turnover.
What D’Onofrio Has Said
In internal communications, D’Onofrio acknowledged the scale of recent changes and emphasized a focus on long-term stability, audience growth, and adapting to the challenges facing modern media organizations.
What This Means for The Washington Post
His appointment underscores a shift toward business-oriented leadership at one of America’s most influential news institutions reflecting broader industry pressures as legacy outlets seek digital relevance and financial viability.
Looking Ahead
As The Washington Post enters a new chapter under D’Onofrio’s stewardship, all eyes will be on whether his blend of strategic, financial, and tech experience can help navigate one of the most significant transitions in the paper’s modern history.
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