The New York Times reported Wednesday that Jill Abramson, the publication's executive editor, has unexpectedly resigned from her post and will be replaced by New York Times Managing Editor Dean Baquet.

In 2011, Abramson became the first woman to serve in the newspaper's leading role after spending years as a former investigative reporter and Washington buerau editor. In her formal resignation statement, she noted her appointment of several female reporters to senior editor positions as one her achievements.

"I've loved my run at The Times," the 60-year-old said in the statement. "I got to work with the best journalists in the world doing so much stand-up journalism. Holding powerful institutions accountable is the mission of the Times and the hallmark of my time as executive editor, whether stories about China, government secrecy, or powerful figures and corporations."

According to the Washington Post, during Abramson's two-and-a-half years as executive editor, she experienced scrutiny for her management style; Politico reported that she was on the "verge" of losing newsroom support. She inherited her position amid a time of major changes to the publication that included buyouts, a masthead trimming and a push for more video storytelling.

Already a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Baquet became the first African-American executive editor for The New York Times. He has also served as a former editor for The Los Angeles Times.

"It is an honor to be asked to lead the only newsroom in the country that is actually better than it was a generation ago," Baquet boasted, adding, "one that approaches the world with wonder and ambition every day."

Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., the Times' publisher and chairman of The New York Times Company, had kind words for Baquet, 57, and endorsed him as the right person for the job Abramson left behind.

"There is no journalist in our newsroom or elsewhere better qualified to take on the responsibilities of executive editor at this time than Dean Baguet," Sulzberger said. "He is an exceptional reporter and editor with impeccable news judgment who enjoys the confidence and support of his colleagues around the world and across the organization."

Sulzberger announced Abramson's departure to conference room of the Times' senior editors Wednesday afternoon before addressing the entire newsroom staff around 2:30 p.m. EDT, the Times reported.