Veteran ABC news host Juanita Phillips’ successor has been named, following her resignation after 21 years at the public broadcaster.

In a statement, the ABC announced that weekend presenter Jeremy Fernandez will take over the NSW 7pm News bulletin five nights a week, starting from Monday 11 September.

His weekend news replacement is yet to be revealed.

“I am tremendously humbled to be entrusted with this role alongside colleagues I’ve admired for so many years. I look forward to continuing my work across the ABC network, alongside the nightly NSW 7PM News,” Fernandez said.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues in the NSW newsroom for their support. I also honour and congratulate my friend and colleague Juanita Phillips for her outstanding service and mentorship to me and others.”

Fernandez launched his ABC career in 2000, working across roles in WA and Melbourne, where he anchored ABC News on the network’s Asia Pacific TV service.

He’s since played key roles over the years in the broadcaster’s coverage of state and federal elections and budgets.

“Jeremy is a huge asset to the ABC News team, talented, dedicated and a terrific colleague who is liked and respected by audiences,” ABC Director of News Justin Stevens said in a statement.

“While we are sad to farewell Juanita Phillips, our flagship NSW bulletin is in the best hands. We will also continue to deploy Jeremy in other presenting roles for News and across the ABC.”

Fernandez’s appointment follows Phillips’ announcement late last month that she was quitting the ABC after 21 years, and 42 years in newsrooms both in Australia and internationally.

“The ABC 7pm News is an Australian treasure and it’s been an honour to play a very small part in its history,” Phillips said in a letter published on July 31.

“I thank the 7pm audience for their support and the trust they place in the ABC.

“I’d like to say a special farewell to the viewers who’ve been with me from day one – I’ve spoken to many of them over the years and when they stop me in the street for a chat it feels like we know each other.”

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The journalist explained that with her two children now young adults, she has the ability to pull back from full-time employment, but admitted she had “no idea what comes next”.

“But it’s an exciting stage of life, full of possibilities and the time and freedom to explore them. It’s my choice, and I’m excited to start the next phase of my life.”

Phillips has two children, Marcus and Mischa, from her first marriage and has been in a relationship with former federal climate change minister Greg Combet for more than a decade.

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