Jeff D’Onofrio Appointed Acting CEO of The Washington Post
In a significant shift, The Washington Post has announced that Jeff D’Onofrio will serve as the acting CEO and publisher of the publication. This change comes after Will Lewis’s tenure, which was marked by controversy and recent mass layoffs.
Jeff D’Onofrio: Background and New Role
Jeff D’Onofrio previously held the position of CEO at Tumblr from 2017 until 2022. Before taking on his new role, he served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at The Washington Post, a position he has held since June of last year. His tenure as CFO allowed him to witness firsthand the changes implemented under Jeff Bezos.
Challenges in Leadership
- Will Lewis stepped down after contentious leadership.
- Significant layoffs occurred during his tenure, raising concerns.
- D’Onofrio has limited experience in traditional news media.
D’Onofrio’s Previous Experience
Before joining The Washington Post, D’Onofrio had a brief stint as the general manager of Yahoo News when it was part of Verizon. His time there was short-lived as he transitioned to Tumblr, where he focused on revitalizing the platform.
Controversial Decisions at Tumblr
- D’Onofrio aimed to change Tumblr’s image by banning adult content.
- This decision led to a reported 30% decline in site traffic.
- Tumblr was acquired by Yahoo for $1.1 billion in 2013.
- In 2019, it was sold to Automatic for under $3 million.
As Jeff D’Onofrio takes on the role of acting CEO at The Washington Post, the media landscape watches closely. His previous experiences offer a mixed perspective on leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. The upcoming months will be crucial for the future direction of the publication.
