Network Ten has announced John Choueifate has resigned as executive director, News, to pursue several business opportunities.

Choueifate was appointed to the position in April 2016. He was previously Network News director and, prior to that role, director of news, Sydney.

Network Ten chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said a new head of the news division would be announced shortly. In the interim, Network Ten executive consultant, news and current affairs, Peter Meakin, will oversee the news division in conjunction with the state news managers.

“News is a critical part of Network Ten’s content and we will continue to invest in our local News presence,” McGarvey said.

“TEN Eyewitness News First At Five dominates its timeslot and is a key part of the TEN brand and our content schedule, while the launch of our exciting and innovative new website ten daily this year will take our news content – and other content – to a new audience.

“We are committed to further expanding our commitment to News and will be making some announcements soon,” she said.

“I would like to thank John for his valuable contribution to Network Ten over the past four years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Mr Choueifate said: “My time at Ten has been enjoyable and I have formed many close relationships.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you working in newsrooms across the country for your professionalism and work ethic. You are all superstars in my eyes.

“It’s also been a pleasure working with some good people on other programs and in other departments across the business,” he said.