RTÉ journalist Caitríona Perry has announced she will be leaving the company.
The co-presenter of the Six One News will be joining the BBC in Washington.
Announcing the news on her Twitter, the 42-year-old Dubliner said: "It is with a mix of sadness and excitement that I wish to share that I will soon be leaving RTÉ.
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“Although the time has zipped by, I have worked here for almost 16 years, three quarters of my working life. It is really hard to say goodbye. I have made great friends, worked with some incredibly talented people and had fantastic experiences and opportunities.
"I have reported from all over the world and have the chance to witness history in the making, particularly during my time as Washington Correspondent and as presenter of the Six One News.
“It was a tough decision to walk away from RTÉ. It is an institution in Irish life, but I have been offered an incredible opportunity.
“I'll be finishing up in RTÉ in the coming weeks and I'm pleased to say that I will be joining the BBC in The New International role, as BBC News Chief Presenter, based in Washington DC.
“I am passionate about world news and US politics in particular, so it is really exciting to get the opportunity to be at the forefront of the BBC's coverage, bringing news to a global audience of nearly 500 million people."
Deirdre McCarthy, managing director, RTÉ News & Current Affairs, said: "Caitríona has been a hugely valued member of the RTÉ News team for over 15 years, as a journalist, a colleague and a friend. While we will miss her presenting RTÉ's flagship Six One News, we are so delighted for her to take up this huge international opportunity.
"We are very proud to see such a talented Irish journalist go on to succeed on a global news stage. From working across all desks and platforms in the RTÉ newsroom, to her hugely impactful time as RTÉ News's Washington Correspondent to her calm and diligent presenting of the news to audiences each evening during national highs and lows, Caitríona's hard work and journalistic ethic always shone through.
"She will be missed equally by audiences, but I know they will join me in wishing her well."
RTÉ said a new co-presenter of the Six One News will be announced "very shortly".
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