ABC News said Wednesday that Jim Murphy, senior executive producer of Good Morning America, is exiting to become EP of Anderson Cooper's new daytime syndicated talker, Anderson.
Murphy will remain with the show through mid-March. He has been with GMA since 2006.
"We are all in Jim's debt for his hard work and many contributions to ABC News. And we wish him the very best, " said ABC News President Ben Sherwood in a memo to staff Wednesday.
Tom Cibrowski continues as executive producer of GMA. Sherwood said in the memo he expects "to announce a new leader who will work closely with Tom and the whole team at GMA" in the days ahead.
"Jim has vast experience in morning news and an innateunderstanding of what women respond to in daytime," said Hilary Estey McLoughlin, president, Telepictures Productions. "He has a proven track record in telling emotional and compelling stories that tap into what people are talking about which makes him the ideal fit for Anderson."
The one-hour Anderson premieres Sept. 12. Murphy will EP alongside Cooper
Following is the full memo from Sherwood announcing the move:
"I'm writing to share some important news about GMA.
"Jim Murphy recently let me know that he will be leaving his post as Senior Executive Producer to pursue a new opportunity in syndication as Executive Producer of Anderson Cooper's new daytime show.
"A talented and experienced newsman, Jim has been a valued leader at Good Morning America for almost five years. Indeed, for three consecutive years under Jim's leadership, GMA won the Emmy Award for Best Morning Show. He has literally taken our viewers around the globe, providing the news and information they need to understand their lives and the world.
"On a personal level, I had the privilege of handing over the GMA reins to Jim in September of 2006. I came to know him during our brief time working together and over the past years as a friend and journalist.
"We are all in Jim's debt for his hard work and many contributions to ABC News. And we wish him the very best.
"As we chart a new course for GMA, I've asked Tom Cibrowski to continue serving in his current and essential role as Executive Producer of GMA. Tom is a strong and hard-charging leader with remarkable instincts and abilities in news. Again, I had the opportunity to work closely with Tom and know that he has even more to offer GMA and ABC News.
"I believe in the model of a partnership at the top of GMA to drive and guide the program at all levels. In the days ahead I plan to announce a new leader who will work closely with Tom and the whole team at GMA.
"Jim is staying at ABC News through mid-March. Between now and then, please join me in thanking Jim and congratulating him on his new adventure. "
