the director of ABC news, Kate Torney, has announced her resignation after six years in the role and 20 years with the ABC. Torney is leaving the ABC to become the chief executive of the State Library of Victoria.

The ABC’s managing director Mark Scott described Torney as “a passionate and inspiring leader of the News division in a time of remarkable change. What she has achieved with the news team over the past six years is extraordinary.

“Kate’s era has also seen a commitment to strong, robust reporting and journalism that has repeatedly won the highest accolades in the industry.”

ABC chairman James Spigelman said: “The Board holds her in high regard. She has been a strong leader of the news division and on her watch she has transformed the services on offer to Australians everywhere.”

Torney added: “Barely a day has passed where I haven’t recognised what a privilege it is to work in journalism and how proud I am to work at the ABC.

“For 20 years I have had the great pleasure of working with the industry’s best and brightest – smart, creative and passionate people who are deeply committed to serving audiences and determined to uphold the journalistic excellence which underpins the ABC’s reputation.”

ABC staff took to Twitter to wish Torney good luck in her endeavours:

So sad to be losing @katetorney as Director of News at the ABC – but congratulations to @Library_Vic on the new CEO http://t.co/Ji4EIN9URo

— Mark Scott (@mscott) July 23, 2015

@mscott Thanks Mark, we’re looking forward to welcoming @katetorney to the team in November

— State Library Vic (@Library_Vic) July 23, 2015

Kate Torney is leaving ABC News. A genuine decisive leader. Her sound judgment will be sorely missed. Tougher times ahead.

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) July 23, 2015

A great loss to the ABC. News Director @katetorney off to an exciting new job. http://t.co/dcJuN5q6j5

— Alan Sunderland (@asunderland) July 23, 2015

It’s been a massive job – and @katetorney is calling time. Stepping down as ABC head of news.

— Lisa Millar (@LisaMillar) July 23, 2015

Wishing @katetorney all the best at new gig at state library of Vic. She’s been a great leader at @abcnews, an advocate for good journalism

— Sophie Scott (@sophiescott2) July 23, 2015

Very sad to hear @katetorney is leaving the ABC. But – very glad she’s returning home to Melbourne. Well played.

— Ben Knight (@benknight38) July 24, 2015

ABC head of newsgathering Craig McMurtrie will be acting director of news when Torney leaves in September.