Ali Velshi Leaving CNN

CNN's chief business correspondent Ali Velshi is leaving the network, TV Newser reported on Wednesday.

Velshi's last day will be Friday. CNN president Jeff Zucker announced his exit at a meeting. He said, according to a source, that Velshi was leaving on friendly terms, and that he will be pursuing a project "he couldn’t pass up."

“It’s been an amazing almost 12 years at CNN. Love it more today than I ever have, and CNN is going to be great under Jeff,” Velshi said. “I basically grew up here, so it’s sad to leave, but I’ve got a great opportunity to stretch some new muscles and grow something, and it appeals to my entrepreneurial side."

In addition to his correspondent duties, Velshi hosted CNN's "Your Money" on weekends and CNN International's "World Business Today." He was also interim host for "American Morning" before CNN dismantled it at the end of 2011.

He garnered much attention for his memorable coverage of Hurricane Sandy in October. Viewers got increasingly concerned about his safety, as he weathered the hurricane's strong winds and intense flooding in Atlantic City.