Tom Llamas Chosen as Lester Holt’s Replacement on ‘NBC Nightly News’ After Speculation

It’s official – Lester Holt’s replacement on NBC Nightly News has been chosen! On Wednesday, March 5, the network announced that Tom Llamas would be taking over as Lester’s replacement.

“Tom has the winning combination of journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling and unyielding integrity — all characteristics that have long been trademarks of NBC Nightly News,” Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, said in a statement. “Additionally, he’s been instrumental in growing NBC News NOW into the leading streaming news network, helping to introduce NBC News to a new generation of viewers.”

For Tom, 45, getting to take over the esteemed position is a “profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility.”

“I look forward to working with the world class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every night,” the veteran newscaster said in a statement.

Tom also praised Lester, saying that he “is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time. Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”

Additionally, Tom will also assume the title of managing editor. The exact date of his first day as the official anchor of NBC Nightly News has not yet been revealed. However, Lester, 65, said he would be leaving the role in the summer.

Lester first made his announcement about his shocking departure from the show on February 24.

“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Lester said in a memo to staffers. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”

He confirmed that he will be focusing on Dateline full time after his final NBC Nightly News broadcast later this year.

“But before we play the walk off music, I have another announcement. I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full time capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” Lester continued on in the statement. “I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.”

Several of his NBC colleagues were quick to share tributes to his incredible Nightly News tenure on social media, including Today’s Dylan Dreyer, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin.

“You’d think the most nerve-wracking day of my career was my first day on air at Weekend Today. But @lesterholtnbc made me feel so comfortable from day 1,” Dylan wrote on Instagram. “It has been a true honor to work and grow along side him from then, to hurricane coverage, to @nbcnightlynews, to fun experiments on @nightlykids A true professional, an incredible interviewer and anchor, a friend. Congratulations on this next phase of your inspirational career Lester!!”