Biz journalist Velshi joining MSNBC

MSNBC president Phil Griffin sent the following note to staff on Tuesday:

Team,

I’m pleased to announce Ali Velshi joins MSNBC beginning tomorrow.

Ali brings a unique mix of experience and perspective on both domestic and international issues.  He was most recently a primetime anchor at Al Jazeera America and previously had a long career with CNN as an anchor and chief business correspondent.

Ali made a name for himself covering tragic events in Pakistan and Turkey, the debt crisis in Greece, and the impact of devastating hurricanes here at home.  He has earned a first-rate reputation as a business expert through his reporting on the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S. government’s bailout plan, the automobile industry, and the debt ceiling and budget debates.

Ali’s sharp economic analysis will be a valuable asset to MSNBC as we dig deeper into every angle of the news and build on our ratings momentum in all dayparts. He will join our strong bench of talented journalists and report to Janelle Rodriguez.

Please join me in giving Ali a warm welcome to MSNBC.

Phil