BuzzFeed has appointed Stanley E. Washington as an independent member of its board of directors, effective July 16, 2026. Washington will serve on the board’s Audit Committee, Nominating, Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, and Compensation Committee. He has also been named chair of the Compensation Committee.
His appointment comes as Greg Coleman steps down from the board after serving as a director since BuzzFeed completed its business combination in 2021.
Coleman also served as chair of the Compensation Committee and previously held the role of president of BuzzFeed from 2014 to 2017.
Washington brings more than 40 years of experience across financial services, financial technology, payments, media and commercial real estate.
He currently serves as president and CEO of Pantheon Global Services, a Beverly Hills-based investment and advisory firm focused on fintech, payments and commercial real estate development.
Pantheon Global Services also works on projects in underinvested and underserved urban communities.
Earlier in his career, Washington served as regional vice president and general manager at American Express.
Within the company’s Establishment Services Division, he managed more than $50 billion in annual charge volume across 13 western U.S. states.
He later held a leadership position in American Express’ Commercial Card Group, where he worked with more than 260 U.S.-based global companies representing over $300 billion in combined annual corporate revenue.
Washington subsequently served as chief revenue officer of LogicMark, formerly known as NXT-ID.
In that role, he held full profit-and-loss responsibility and helped the publicly traded company grow into what BuzzFeed described as the fourth-largest mobile payment device company globally.
His experience in payments and financial technology could provide BuzzFeed with additional perspective as the company evaluates digital business models, advertising opportunities and technology-driven growth initiatives.
Washington also brings extensive experience serving on the boards of public, private and civic organizations.
He currently serves as board chairman of The Center by Lendistry, where he chairs the Executive, Audit and Nominating Committees.
The Center by Lendistry supports small businesses and communities through programs connected with capital access, education and economic development.
Washington also serves as a director of Atlanta Life Insurance Company.
He previously served on the board of LogicMark, where his committee responsibilities included audit, research and development, and nominating matters.
Washington is also a trustee emeritus of Morehouse College and has served on its board since October 2015.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Morehouse College.
BuzzFeed expects Washington’s background in finance, corporate governance, technology and media to support the company as it pursues its next phase of development.
The company is working toward a strategy centered on building a free-streaming video destination supported by artificial intelligence.
Washington’s experience managing large commercial relationships and serving on audit and governance committees may be particularly relevant as BuzzFeed evaluates investments, operating priorities and new sources of revenue.
As chair of the Compensation Committee, he will help oversee executive compensation policies and programs intended to align leadership incentives with the company’s strategic and financial objectives.
His position on the Audit Committee will involve oversight of financial reporting, internal controls and relationships with independent auditors.
Washington’s work on the Nominating, Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee will also support board composition, governance standards and broader corporate responsibility matters.
BuzzFeed confirmed that Washington was selected independently and that no arrangements or understandings with another person led to his appointment.
The company also said there are no related-party transactions between Washington and BuzzFeed requiring disclosure.
Coleman’s departure marks the conclusion of a long period of involvement with the digital media company.
In addition to his board service, Coleman contributed experience across digital advertising, publishing and media operations.
BuzzFeed credited him with helping shape the company’s strategy and growth during both his executive leadership role and his time as a director.
The board transition comes as BuzzFeed continues adapting its business to changing audience behavior, advertising markets and the growing use of AI across content creation and distribution.
BuzzFeed operates digital brands spanning entertainment, popular culture, food, shopping and news.
The company reaches audiences through articles, videos, social platforms and other digital channels, with the goal of influencing what consumers watch, read and purchase.
Washington’s appointment adds a senior executive with experience across several industries that increasingly intersect with digital media, including payments, fintech and investment.
His board and committee responsibilities will place him in a central role as BuzzFeed continues refining its governance structure and pursuing its long-term strategy.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to welcome Stan Washington to the BuzzFeed Board. Stan brings decades of executive leadership across financial services, fintech, payments and media, along with an exceptional record of board service and community impact. His expertise and perspective are invaluable as we execute our vision to build a premier free-streaming video destination powered by AI.”
Byron Allen, Chairman and CEO of BuzzFeed
“I am honored to join the BuzzFeed Board at such a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. Byron Allen’s vision for BuzzFeed is bold and compelling, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth.”
Stanley E. Washington, Director of BuzzFeed
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Greg Coleman for his long-standing and dedicated service as a member of BuzzFeed’s Board of Directors. I am grateful for the many contributions he made to our strategy, our growth and our business. Throughout his tenure, Greg provided critical insights and expertise across digital media, advertising and publishing. His impactful leadership as President of BuzzFeed from 2014 to 2017 and his time as Chair of the Compensation Committee were instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and success. I personally thank Greg for his partnership, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
Jonah Peretti, President of BuzzFeed AI
