Long-serving BBC foreign correspondent Allan Little (pic: BBC) is leaving the corporation at the end of the year to "to pursue other projects".
No other reason has been given for his departure. It comes at a time when the BBC is cutting some 415 jobs from BBC News via voluntary redundancy.
The first exits are due to happen at the end of this year.
BBC head of newsgathering described Little as an "iconic" reporter who as set the benchmark for "intelligent, unforgettable reportage", Ariel reports.
Little is currently special correspondent and led coverage of the Scottish referendum. He has reported for the BBC on Gulf War, the break-up of Yugoslavia and been a correspondent in South Africa, Russia and Paris.
He said in a statement released by the BBC: "I am leaving the staff of the BBC to pursue other projects and hope to continue working in broadcasting in the future. I have been privileged to work for the BBC for many years and will always remain a passionate fan of the incredible content and outstanding news coverage it continues to produce and especially of the dedicated and talented people who work at the coal face.”
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