The editor of the News Letter, Mr Geoff Martin, is leaving the newspaper this autumn to take up a new post in Britain. Mr Martin has edited the daily Northern Ireland morning newspaper for almost 12 years.
During that time, the newspaper joined with its nationalist equivalent, the Irish News, in several campaigns to support the peace process.
The News Letter has been an enthusiastic supporter of Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble. In recent years, the DUP has criticised the newspaper for its strong pro-agreement stance and its coverage of anti-agreement unionism.
Paying tribute to Mr Martin, Mr Trimble said: "Geoff's reign as News Letter editor was characterised by sound editorial judgment combined with an independent spirit. He always articulated a positive and confident vision of unionism. We wish him well."
Mr Martin said: "Naturally I am extremely sad to be leaving the News Letter. It has been a period which has seen enormous changes in the province, and at the News Letter we have been in the forefront of encouraging a peaceful future.
"The News Letter has an extraordinary history as one of the oldest established daily titles in the world and it has been a privilege and a pleasure to be at the helm."
Mr Martin Gower, managing director of Century Newspapers, the News Letter's publishers, said: "We are very sorry to be losing Geoff. His achievements at the News Letter have been considerable and his journalistic judgment is respected by all his colleagues within the company."
Mr Martin's new job is understood to be within the newspaper industry but not with Trinity Mirror, the parent company of Century Newspapers. The process to recruit his successor will begin shortly.