Fred Ryan, president of COO of Allbritton Communications Co, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

His departure comes as CEO Robert Allbrittion is revamping the company via by divesting its broadcast unit and re-investing in online businesses.

Allbritton is selling its seven properties including flagship WJLA-TV in Washington to Sinclair Broadcast Group for $985M. The transaction will close by yearend.

ACC has purchased Capital New York political site for an undisclosed amount.

Ryan, co-founder and president of Allbritton’s Politico unit, believes the closing of the Sinclair deal “will be the logical time to pursue other career options that have emerged in recent months and explore how best to put my business interests to work in a new arena,” according to his memo to staffers.

He believes the “gradual transition will allow Robert Allbritton to think about his goals for the company and his options for my successor at Politico.”

Ryan agreed to remain a director of Politico.