Reuters president Friedenberg to leave company at end of the year

Reuters president Michael Friedenberg sent out the following on Monday to the staff:

Dear Colleagues,

We always aim to share news about leadership changes with our people first and so I want to let you know that in December, I will be leaving Reuters.

It has—in the truest sense—been an incredible three years and an unmatched honor to serve the most trusted global news organization when the world needed us.

Thanks to your work, Reuters is in a historically strong position, both editorially and commercially. We have a dynamic new editor-in-chief in Alessandra, and our journalism is known worldwide for its speed, breadth and quality.

As we look ahead, the time is right to pass on the baton—and allow a smooth transition—with Reuters firmly on the front foot. Shortly, Steve Hasker and I will inform our customers that our commitment to serving them while we initiate an internal and external search for a leader will not waver—and neither does my belief in you.

Even so, there is more opportunity ahead. Never has there been greater need for independent and unbiased news and information that people can depend on. I have every confidence that the next president of this organization will build on what we have delivered over recent years and write the next chapter in our exciting story.

Thank you all for your dedication to our work and mission—and for your trust in me. I will make sure there are opportunities for us to talk more over coming weeks. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

All my best,

Michael