The Director-General of RTE, Bob Collins, has announced his decision to step down from the position in October, some months before his contract was due to end.
The RTE Authority said it was with regret that it accepted Mr Collins' decision to step down, and said the organisation and all committed to Irish public service broadcasting were in his debt.
Bob Collins joined RTE in 1975 and has held a number of posts, including Director of Television and Director of Corporate Affairs. He was appointed Director General in 1997.
The RTE Authority says it will advertise the post in the immediate future.
