Susan Grant, a 27-year Turner executive, is leaving CNN, TVNewser has learned.
Grant’s departure comes as CNN cuts its workforce by 300 employees, a process which began with buyout offers and continued yesterday with layoffs.
As executive vice president of CNN News Services, Grant is the highest profile CNN employee to be departing the network this week. During her time at CNN, Atlanta-based Grant has worked in sales and marketing, and as president of Turner Program Services. Years ago was CNN’s first PR person.
“I will happily always be a member of this wonderful CNN team, and I will enjoy sharing in your continued successes,” Grant writes in a note to staff (after the jump).
“It is undeniable that few people in the history of CNN have contributed more than Susan Grant,” CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker tells TVNewser. “Throughout her time here, she has touched almost every part of the company. And each one has been the better for it. She has been a valued member of my Executive team, and her unwavering commitment to CNN is what has made her so special. I wish her nothing but the best.”
Yes, it’s time to go. After two tours of duty, and 27 years in all.
Most of you know I started as a secretary at Turner’s corporate offices on Ashby Street. And was CNN’s first PR person. And sold CNN to cable operators. And was recruited back to CNN from Sony Pictures Television (after being gone for 10 years) to lead Turner Program Services’ syndication efforts.
I came back to Turner in 1994 because I believed in CNN’s mission, its values and its vision to be the global news leader.
I’ve relished all the opportunities and experiences over the years: from building the robust Newsource affiliate base to leading the explosive growth of CNN Digital to being an active participant of CNN’s executive leadership.
All of you are exceptional in your dedication, doggedness, and desire to do great work and be great leaders.
I will happily always be a member of this wonderful CNN team, and I will enjoy sharing in your continued successes.
I’ll be around for a few more weeks, but after that, please be in touch.