Alan Kohler, who has presented the finance segment on the ABC's 7pm news bulletin since 2002 and ends each night with the catchphrase 'And that's finance', said in a statement that he had always loved the ABC 'even more so after I joined it'.
'I find it very hard to imagine this wonderful place not being part of my life, but I'm 74 and it's time to spend more time with my family, including the six grandchildren,' he told staff.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks said Kohler had made an extraordinary contribution to the organisation and the nation. 'For decades, he has helped Australians make sense of complex issues with insight, clarity and a uniquely engaging style, always delivered with warmth, humour and that trademark cheeky grin,' Marks said.
Kohler joined the ABC in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report, after an earlier career in print that included stints as editor of The Australian Financial Review and The Age, and as a columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald. He also presented the show Inside Business for many years and currently hosts the weekly podcast That's Business.
A canny entrepreneur, Kohler launched the Eureka Report and later founded the online news service Business Spectator. He has written several books, including 'The Great Divide: Australia's Housing Mess and How to Fix It' and 'It's Your Money'.
Kohler is expected to continue his association with the ABC through one-off specials.