Will Lewis, CEO of The Washington Publish, inspired staffers who don’t “really feel aligned” with the information firm’s “reinvention” to resign in an organization memo on Wednesday.
Spotlighting The Publish’s so-called “voluntary separation program” that gives buyouts for exiting staff, Lewis mentioned “I actually want you the perfect of luck” to staff who’re weighing whether or not or not the corporate’s route is for them — and that “when you imagine in our subsequent chapter, I’m excited for the work forward of us.”
Lewis’ memo was first reported and shared by The New York Instances’ Ben Mullin. Learn it in full beneath:
Will Lewis emails the Washington Publish workers, encouraging those that “don’t really feel aligned” with the corporate’s future plans to contemplate the buyout provide. pic.twitter.com/b3a7w6HbuB
— Ben Mullin (@BenMullin) July 9, 2025
“During the last 12 months, we have now launched into a major reinvention journey to make The Washington Publish extra interesting to, and trusted by, at this time’s audiences,” Lewis’ memo started. “We’re reimagining our Opinion providing to champion timeless American values; tackling conventional subscription fatigue head-on by means of versatile entry; launching new, partaking product enhancements corresponding to From the Supply; and embracing AI quickly throughout all of our workflows.
“However we’re removed from completed,” he continued. “The second calls for that we proceed to rethink all features of our group and enterprise to maximise our impression. If we wish to reconnect with our viewers and proceed to defend democracy, extra adjustments at The Publish shall be vital. And to succeed, we have to be united as a staff with a robust perception and keenness in the place we’re heading.”
Lewis then mentioned that he understands that The Publish’s “chosen path just isn’t for everybody” earlier than citing the corporate’s voluntary separation program, saying that’s “precisely why” it was launched.
“As we proceed on this new route, I wish to ask those that don’t really feel aligned with the corporate’s plan to replicate on that,” he mentioned. “The VSP is designed to assist you in making this choice, provide the capability to weigh your choices thoughtfully and with much less concern about monetary penalties. And when you suppose that it’s time to maneuver on to a brand new chapter, the VSP helps you’re taking that subsequent step with extra safety.”
“No matter what you resolve, I wish to thank all of you for every thing you have got completed for this group,” Lewis concluded. “If you happen to select to maneuver away from The Publish thanks for all of your contributions, and I actually want you the perfect of luck. If you happen to imagine in our subsequent chapter, I’m excited for the work forward of us.”
Representatives for The Publish didn’t instantly reply to TheWrap’s request for remark.
Lewis was named chief govt of The Publish in 2023, after having beforehand served because the CEO of Dow Jones. His tenure has seen widespread adjustments on the paper — and pronounced dissatisfaction from a lot of longtime staff.
Over 400 journalists in January despatched Jeff Bezos an open letter, saying they have been “deeply alarmed” by the paper’s latest trajectory. The signees requested Bezos to fulfill with WaPo staffers, however that assembly by no means occurred.
In February, the Amazon founder introduced his paper’s opinion part could be targeted on “two pillars” transferring ahead, free markets and private liberties. That call led to former Opinion editor David Shipley quitting, in addition to longtime columnist Ruth Marcus. The choice was additionally met with calls from former editors Leonard Downie and Bob Kaiser to fireplace Lewis as CEO.
The overhauling of the opinion part was criticized by many journalists, however it has been lauded by others: White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Donald Trump have each counseled the paper for its adjustments underneath Bezos and Lewis.
“I’ve gotten to know him, and I believe he’s attempting to do an actual job,” Trump mentioned about Bezos’ dealing with of the paper in latest months. “Jeff Bezos is attempting to do an actual job with The Washington Publish, and that wasn’t occurring earlier than.”
The president additionally talked about that he had dinner with Bezos on the day he introduced his revamp of the opinion part.
