Will Lewis, the Washington Post’s publisher and CEO, announced on Saturday evening that he is leaving the company. His exit came just three days after the Post cut about 300 journalists, nearly one-third of its staff, to reduce costs and reshape the struggling newspaper. Lewis did not attend the all-staff meeting when the layoffs were revealed, which drew criticism of his leadership. In an email to staff, Lewis said, “All – after two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside.” He thanked Jeff Bezos for his support and praised him as "the best owner" the paper could have. Lewis added, “During my tenure, difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post so it can for many years ahead publish high-quality nonpartisan news to millions of customers each day.” Jeff D’Onofrio, who joined the Post as chief financial officer only in June, is now the acting publisher and CEO. In a memo, he acknowledged the challenges in media and said, “I have no doubt we will do just that, together.” He promised to lead the Post toward a strong and sustainable future. Jeff Bezos, who has owned the Washington Post since 2013 and faced recent criticism, did not mention Lewis’s departure. Instead, Bezos praised the paper’s mission and its leadership, saying, “Jeff, along with [executive editor Matt Murray] and [opinion editor Adam O’Neal], are positioned to lead The Post into an exciting and thriving next chapter.” Lewis, 56, came to the Post after years with Rupert Murdoch’s media group, including being CEO and publisher of the Wall Street Journal until 2020. His tenure at the Post was marked by tough changes but critics say his plans failed to grow readership. Some staff celebrated his departure, noting, "Will can put on British charm and knows how to manage up but eventually results matter," said Glenn Kessler, a former Post journalist. Lewis was also criticized for being absent during the layoffs announcement and for attending the Super Bowl festivities after cutting much of the Post’s sports staff. With Lewis stepping down, Washington Post faces an uncertain future under new management amid industry-wide struggles.