ABC News President Ben Sherwood sent the following note to staff on Thursday, May 24:

After nearly 17 years at ABC News, our talented friend and colleague John Berman will be leaving this week to anchor and report at CNN.

John has grown up at ABC News - starting in 1995 as a desk assistant and later as head writer for World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.  John's passion for politics drove him to venture out on the campaign trail in 1999 where he logged more hours with then-candidate George W. Bush than any other reporter.

John is one of the most versatile correspondents in television.  Inside our building when we brainstorm, there's a reason that we often exclaim: "That's a John Berman story.'  He is a very gifted writer and storyteller, and he brings a distinctive voice and style to everything he does.

Please join me in thanking John for his myriad contributions to ABC News.  While we will miss him in our halls and on ABC's air, let's all congratulate him and wish him the very best in this next big step in his career.