ABC’s director of news Justin Stevens resigned from his more than $667,000 per year gig at the public broadcaster for “professional and personal” reasons.

Mr Steven’s exit came less than 24 hours before the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is scheduled to face questions at Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday morning.

The broadcaster’s most senior news executive had been in the top role for four years but had spent 19 years at ABC.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Stevens said his time as director of news had been “incredibly tough but immensely rewarding”.

“Having said that, for reasons both professional and personal, now is the right time for me to move on and for someone else to take over the helm of the best news team in the country,” he said.

“There is no more complex news organisation in the country, no more scrutinised institution, and few so laden with public expectations.

“In that context, I have sought to strengthen and defend our journalism without being blind to our stumbles; to meet the state of constant change in the digital age; and to improve our culture in News to one where we hold ourselves to the same standards as we do of others in the broader community.”

ABC managing director Hugh Marks paid tribute to Stevens’ long service at the public broadcaster, noting his contribution over almost two decades.

“I am grateful to have seen the strength of Justin’s editorial instincts and to have observed his commitment to the ABC and audiences. I wish him every success in the future,” Mr Marks said.

Mr Stevens was appointed news director at 38-years-old after working as a former executive producer of the ABC’s current affairs program 7.30. His total remuneration package last year was $667,900.

During his tenure, MrStevens faced intense scrutiny surrounding multiple complaints and high-profile legal battles, most notably the unlawful dismissal case brought by Antoinette Lattouf.

His time at the helm was further complicated by controversies over the ABC’s coverage of Donald Trump’s January 6 speech, as well as Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal co-hosting a gambling-sponsored podcast.

He also apologised in for the inaccurate use of gunshots and the potentially misleading use of a quote as part of a 2022 Four Corners investigation he oversaw titled “Line of Fire”.

His departure on the eve of a Senate Estimates hearing came after National Anti-Corruption Commission boss Paul Brereton had done the same earlier this week.

The current ABC head of Regional, Rural and Metro News Donna Field will serve as the acting news director.