CNN President Jim Walton, who has been with the company for 30 years, has announced that he’s resigning. He will remain with the network until the end of the year.

“CNN needs new thinking,” Walton wrote in a note to staff this morning. “I have interests to explore, I need to give myself time to do [them].”

See various quotes and his note after the jump…

From CNN PR: Jim Walton told the CNN organization today that he will step down as president of CNN Worldwide at the end of this year.  He will continue in his current role until that time.  Jim’s decision has the support and respect of Turner Broadcasting CEO Phil Kent.  Phil will lead the search for Jim’s successor.