Washington Post publisher and chief executive Fred Ryan told employees Monday he is stepping down, ending his nearly decade-long tenure as the newspaper’s top business executive. He was hired by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Post.
In a note to staff, Ryan said his next job would be leading the Center on Public Civility, a new project of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute that is backed by Bezos.
“Today, the decline of chivalry has become a toxic and corrosive force, threatening our social relationships and undermining the very foundation of our democracy,” Mr Ryan, 68, wrote in the memo. “I feel a strong sense of urgency about this issue.”
Mr Bezos thanked Mr Ryan for his service in a separate note to staff, saying he led the newspaper through a period of “innovation, journalistic excellence and growth”. He will continue to be the publisher for the next two months.
Mr. Bezos said Patty Stonecipher, the former chief executive of Martha’s Table, which provides food and clothing for low-income people, will be The Post’s interim chief executive.
“You will soon see why I admire him,” he said. “Her skill, judgment and character all stand out. She also understands the importance of our mission and has a deep respect for the work we do here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
