BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — ESPN Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer will end more than three decades at the company this week.

Bodenheimer had relinquished day-to-day responsibilities to John Skipper at the start of 2012. He served as the company’s president for 13 years, originally joining ESPN in 1981 as a driver in the mail room.

The network said Tuesday that Bodenheimer’s last day will be Saturday.

Bodenheimer says: “ESPN’s future is bright, which is of great comfort to anyone who cares deeply about our company.”

Skipper calls Bodenheimer a “uniquely gifted leader.”

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