ABC managing director David Anderson will depart the public broadcaster after internal unrest over his leadership.

Anderson was appointed to a second term in the role in 2023 but will step down once a replacement is found.

He said he expected to remain in the role until at least the start of 2025.

It follows a vote of no confidence in Anderson by unionised employees in January for “failing to defend the integrity of the ABC and its staff from outside attacks” amid the fallout from the dismissal of radio host Antoinette Lattouf.

The ABC board rejected the union’s claim and passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Anderson.

In a note to all ABC staff on Thursday, Anderson said he was grateful to new chair Kim Williams and the board for their support and efforts to persuade him to stay on for a full second term.

“Their unabashed enthusiasm for the importance and future of the corporation makes this decision easier,” he said.

“I am confident the timing is right for both me and the ABC.”

Later, in an appearance on ABC TV, he said he had a 35-year career with the national broadcaster, and had not come to his decision lightly.

“Kim, of course, has tried to talk me out of it a number of times. But when you know, you know, and I’ve made my decision,” he said.

“I just feel it’s the right time for renewal and I think it’s the right time for me.”

Anderson denied recent legal and pay battles at the national broadcaster had contributed to his decision.

“I have to say, the pressure has been constant. There hasn’t been one particular thing that’s happened to me over this period of time,” he said.

“I think that these roles are quite demanding. You throw everything at it. And if I look at the ABC at the moment, the ABC is in very good shape.”

Anderson nominated smash children’s TV hit Bluey as one of the highlights of his decades at the broadcaster, as well as local radio and public journalism.

Williams, a former News Limited chief executive who took over from Ita Buttrose as chair in March, said the delayed resignation would ensure a smooth transition and praised Anderson.

“I have to say my admiration for him and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater,” he said.

“He is an exemplary executive in many ways.”

The recruitment process will begin in due course, the ABC said.

-with AAP