President of ABC News James Goldston announced on Thursday that he is leaving the Walt Disney-backed unit on March 31 after seven years at the helm.
He made the annoucement in a note to staff, claiming it was the 'right moment to move on as this incredible era of news ends and another begins'.
Goldston, 52, said that it had been a 'really tough decision' to leave ABC News - which is owned by The Walt Disney Company - but that he was 'ready for a new adventure' after the election cycle.
It is not known if Goldston has been offered another role at another company. He said that he will be aiding in the search for his successor over the next two months 'to help ensure a smooth transition to a new leader'.
It comes as Peter Rice, the Disney executive who oversees its original entertainment assets, is taking a more assertive role in the news division, according to Variety.
'We have a great partner in Peter, and I'm thankful for his constant support for the news division,' Goldston wrote in his departure announcement.
President of ABC News Jame Goldston, 52, (pictured above) announced on Thursday that he would be leaving the news department on March 31. He has spent 7 years as president
Goldston joined ABC News 17 years ago and was named president in April 2014. Goldston is married to BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, pictured together above
Goldston joined ABC News 17 years ago and was named president in April 2014.
The British journalist said Thursday that he was leaving the news unit 'stronger than it has ever been in its 75-year history'.
'Some people will tell you the ratings don't matter - never believe them, they do,' he told staff.
'Thanks to your efforts, we have fought our way to number one across the board, in the mornings, in the evenings, in late night, on Friday nights and overnights, in streaming and social and audio and a lot of other places, too.
'It's been spectacular and satisfying to witness.'
In his note, Goldston also praised staff who he said 'inspired me countless times with your resilience' and thanked Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bog Iger, who he called a 'great mentor'.
In his parting words, Goldston said his only regret was 'not being able to see our newsrooms filled again with people and energy and endeavor before I go'.
James Goldston began in ABC News in 2004 after starting his career in the UK. He is pictured here in October 2019
'I'm excited for what this next chapter holds for me, but for now let me just say it's been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to lead ABC News,' he concluded.
Rice, who is Chairman of General Entertainment Content at The Walt Disney Company, also addressed staff regarding Goldston's departure.
'After leading the news organization for seven years and guiding it through one of the most tumultuous news cycles in history, James has decided it's time for a change,' Rice wrote.
'I am incredibly grateful to James for his leadership. This past year redefined the 24-hour news cycle, and he led the team with an unrelenting commitment to facts and in-depth, insightful reporting.'
Rice told staff that he is creating an Office of the President with Goldston and five other executives who will 'report to me as we work toward the transition and search for a new president'.
He added that Derek Medina will handle business operations while Michael Corn and Almin Karamehmedovic will oversee breaking news.
Goldston's letter to his staff announcing his departure on Thursday
Goldston's tenure as president was not without its controversies.
In 2017, the network's chief investigative reporter, Brian Ross, aired an incorrect story which claimed Michael Flynn was ready to allege in testimony that President Donald Trump had asked him to reach out to the Russians.
Goldston issued a scathing rant to his employees after the incident.
He said he has never felt 'disappointment and rage' comparable to what he has felt in the fallout of the mistake and that the network was conducting a 'full review'.
In 2019, House Republicans also demanded ABC provide more information related to a spiked interview with Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts in 2015.
The sent was letter to Goldston in which they called for the network to hand over the interview.
More trouble came last year as it was reported that Barbara Fedida, the senior vice president of talent, editorial strategy and business affairs for the network, would not be returning to ABC.
It followed an investigation into claims that she made racially insensitive remarks, according to Deadline.
Goldston joined ABC News in 2004 as senior producer of primetime specials and investigative reports, before becoming executive producer of 'Nightline'.
He then served as the senior executive producer of 'Good Morning America' from February 2011 to March 2012.
Goldston was also senior vice president for Content and Development for the division between March 2012 and April 2014.
In 2019, House Republicans in a letter to Goldston also demanded ABC provide more information related to a spiked interview with Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts in 2015
House Republicans sent a letter to ABC's president demanding the network hand over to Congress more information related to its spiked interview with Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts
Since Goldston took over the news division seven years ago, it has won five Edward R. Murrow Awards for Overall Excellence, as well as duPont, Peabody and Emmy awards.
Also under his watch, ABC News acquired the data journalism organization FiveThirtyEight and expanded Good Morning America into a third hour.
In 2019, Goldston himself was the recipient of the Radio, Television and Digital News Association's First Amendment Service Award.
He began his career in the UK as a producer for several BBC News programs, including 'Newsnight'. Between 2002 and 2004, he worked ITV1's 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald'.
Goldston is married to BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan.
Disney is expected to conduct a wide search for Goldston's successor, according to Variety.
It happens during a wave of transfers of power in national news organizations.
Rashida Jones is taking over as president at MSNBC at the end of the month when Phil Griffin and the Washington Post is looking for someone to fill its editor's position after Marty Barron announced his retirement.
In 2020, Cesar Conde also took over as chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group after Andrew Lack stepped down.
And it also comes as corporate parts of the organizations begin to eyeball news divisions as the means attracting advertisers and distributors.
As more people flock to streaming services for comedy, drama and entertainment shows, news is the critical component for TV networks in securing their live audiences.
Just last week, he had announced a reshuffle at ABC News naming Cecila Vega to a new senior role in its Washington operations, chief White House correspondent.
He also named Mary Bruce a senior White House correspondent and MaryAlice Parks a weekend White House correspondent.