Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos praised Lewis as a “strong fit” for the role.

“As I’ve gotten to know Will, I’ve been drawn to his love of journalism and passion for driving financial success,” Bezos wrote in an email to staff, according to the Post. “Will embodies the tenacity, energy and vision needed for this role. He believes that together we will build the right future for The Post. I agree.”

“The Washington Post is a premiere global media publisher of record, known for its 145-year-old history of unflinching journalism, and I am thrilled and humbled to be at its helm as both a media executive and former reporter,” Lewis said in a statement the newspaper provided to the New York Times.

Lewis, who starts Jan. 2, replaces Fred Ryan, who stepped down as publisher earlier this year. Ryan was also founding CEO of POLITICO.