MUMBAI: Global news and information company Reuters has appointed Niall FitzGerald as its next chairman on Wednesday. He is leaving his post as the head of Unilever. He has been Unilever's chairman and CEO since 1 September 1996.

A report on the company's site stated that the 58 year old would replace Christopher Hogg who had served as chairman for the better part of two decades.

FitzGerald is already a non-executive director of Reuters since January 2003. He had announced last month that he was taking early retirement as executive chairman of Unilever on 30 September. He takes up the new post from 1 October.

Hogg added, " I warmly welcome Niall to the chair of what is both a fine company and a great global brand. I am totally confident that Reuters strategy is matched by its ability to implement its plans

Reuters CEO Tom Glocer said,. "In his 18 years as chairman Hogg has guided Reuters through many very good years and some challenging ones, but his judgment, intelligence and strong moral compass have inspired us all. He has stayed in the chair when it would have been far easier for him personally to retire and he has provided me with wise counsel and support. I am delighted that he will be succeeded by an international business leader of such standing. All of us at Reuters are excited about Niall's appointment".