The head of the BBC World Service's Arabic service, Gamon McLellan, is to leave the corporation after 11 years in the role.
McLellan, who will leave at the end of the month, said that he would not take on another post within the BBC but would look to do some writing instead. His deputy Mostafa Anwar will take on the job in the short term with the post being advertised in the new year.
His departure comes as protests continue over the dismissal of two World Service Arabic producers earlier this year. Adli Hawwari and Abdul-Hadi Jiad were sacked after the BBC cited a "complete breakdown of trust and confidence" after the pair brought 17 unsuccessful employment tribunal cases in five years.
The National Union of Journalists, which is involved in industrial action with the BBC over the issue, this week picketed the joint BBC governors and management meeting, where a petition of more than 1,200 names was handed in calling on BBC chairman Gavyn Davies and director general Greg Dyke to negotiate with the union.
McLellan said the issue had not affected his decision to leave. "It wasn't a factor," he said.
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