Hayma Washington is stepping down as chairman and CEO of the Television Academy Board of Governors when his term expires at the end of the year.
Washington will not seek a second term in order for him to return to producing and focusing on diversity, The Times has confirmed.
"It just felt for me as a professional and personally it was time to move on," he told Variety on Tuesday. "I'm an independent producer and as you sit in that position, you really are limited in some of the things you can do with your agendas."
Washington, a seven-time Emmy Award winner, said that if he could get back into independent producing, he could be "so much more effective" in what was personally important to him, such as inclusion and diversity efforts.
"The Amazing Race" executive producer became the first African American chairman of the organization when he was elected in November 2016. He succeeded Bruce Rosenblum, who served for five years.
During his tenure, Washington secured a new eight-year contract with the four major TV networks to rotate hosting the academy's marquee event, the Primetime Emmy Awards, though viewership of last month's telecast hit a record low.
He also established a new code of conduct for members and updated the organization's bylaws.
"His service and dedication have been appreciated during a time of both great challenges and great strides in our industry," Maury McIntyre, president and COO of the Television Academy, said Wednesday in a statement to The Times. "The Academy is wonderfully positioned for the path ahead."
Washington's replacement will be selected at upcoming elections for new officers and governors, the Associated Press reported.
