The executive editor of The Washington Post, Sally Buzbee, will step down from her role, a major and sudden change at one of the nation’s pre-eminent news organizations.

Matt Murray, the former editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal, will take her place through the presidential election, the company said on Sunday night. Robert Winnett, a deputy editor of the Telegraph Media Group, will take over after the election.

Mr. Murray will transition to a new role after the election, building a new newsroom within The Washington Post focused on service and social media journalism.

Ms. Buzbee, 58, steered the newspaper for the last three years, a turbulent period that resulted in award-winning journalism as well as a drop in audience and an exodus of some top talent from the newsroom.

Ms. Buzbee and Mr. Murray didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

“Sally is an incredible leader and a supremely talented media executive who will be sorely missed,” Will Lewis, the chief executive and publisher of The Post, said in a statement. “I wish her all the best going forward.”

Mr. Lewis has set about remaking the top ranks of the newspaper since he was appointed last year. In April, The Post announced the addition of Suzi Watford, a former top executive at Dow Jones, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, as its chief strategy editor. In January, The Post named Karl Wells as its chief growth officer, a position responsible for subscription strategy, partnerships, licensing and data analytics.