Updated: Ben Sherwood Introduced To Staff As ABC News President

Here’s the memo in full:

Team,

I am immensely pleased to announce that Ben Sherwood has been named our new President of ABC News, responsible for all aspects of our global news business including editorial, programming, digital and other business related aspects of the division.

Those of you who worked with Ben during his previous tenures at ABC News on PrimeTime and Good Morning America know him to be the quintessential journalist, with the integrity and innovative spirit that defines ABC News. During his stellar career, he’s served as investigative journalist, associate producer, producer, senior broadcast producer and executive producer, who helped guide award-winning coverage of the biggest stories of the day, including the attacks of September 11th, the controversial 2000 election, the tsunami in Southeast Asia, and hurricane Katrina.

The press release announcing his appointment and detailing his remarkable career as an award-winning journalist, widely published essayist, best-selling author and digital media entrepreneur is attached. I’m sure you’ll agree Ben is the absolute best choice to lead this best-in-class news organization into the next phase of success.

As we make this transition I want to thank each of you for your dedication, hard work, and patience. I know the uncertainty during this search was challenging in many ways, and I appreciate your support and your unwavering commitment to excellence throughout the process. Ben’s leadership backed by your talent ensures we’re prepared for even greater success.

Please join me in welcoming Ben Sherwood back to ABC News.

For those of you here in New York, please join me in TV3 at 10:30 a.m. to welcome Ben back personally.

Anne

Westin had been in the top job at ABC News since March 1997 and his resignation was reportedly over a “long running conflict” with management over the running of the division.

As we reported last month, Sherwood had been considered a possible longshot candidate since the former ABCer had been making a name for himself in Hollywood.

Here’s Sherwood’s introduction to the staff at ABC News, fresh off the red eye from Los Angeles: