Bezos picks data-focused executive to lead Washington Post turnaround

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, has chosen a new data-focused executive, Will Lewis, to lead the publication, aiming to reverse its financial struggles. Lewis's appointment, following a dinner with Bezos and interim CEO Patty Stonesifer, reflects a strategic push to utilize data analytics to guide editorial and business decisions. This move comes as the Post reported a $77 million loss in 2023 and experienced a significant decline in its audience, with readership halving since the 2020 election.

Lewis's vision includes creating a "third newsroom" focused on new editorial products, an idea endorsed by Bezos. This initiative is designed to better serve users with new content formats and leverage social media more effectively. Bezos, who bought the Post for $250 million over a decade ago, believes the paper could reach 100 million paying subscribers, a substantial increase from its current 2.5 million. He has been increasingly involved in the Post's direction, approving budgets and advising on business matters, particularly in response to growing financial problems.

The strategic shift has not been without controversy. Lewis's plans led to the abrupt resignation of executive editor Sally Buzbee, who was reportedly encouraged by Bezos to lead the "third newsroom." Furthermore, Lewis's tenure has been marked by job cuts, including significant layoffs that impacted the sports section, photography staff, and local coverage, drawing criticism from the Washington Post Guild, which called his legacy "attempted destruction of a great American journalism institution."

Lewis's departure from the CEO role was announced in February 2026, after a troubled tenure marked by widespread staff discontent and ethical questions. His replacement, chief financial officer Jeff D'Onofrio, was appointed interim publisher. This leadership change and the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Post underscore Bezos's determination to transform the newspaper into a sustainable, data-driven enterprise, despite the challenges and internal dissent.