Who Will Replace Lester Holt on ‘NBC Nightly News’? Network Reveals Anchor Taking Over

In February 2025, Lester Holt shocked longtime viewers when he revealed plans to leave NBC Nightly News in the summer of 2025. In March 2025, his replacement was officially announced by the network.

Who Is Taking Over for Lester Holt on ‘NBC Nightly News’?

On March 5, 2025, it was announced that Tom Llamas would be stepping into the role of anchor and managing editor once Lester leaves NBC Nightly News.

“Anchoring NBC Nightly News 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,” Tom said in a statement after the announcement was made. “Lester Holt 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.”

“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.”

Tom’s official start date has not yet been announced.

Who Is Tom Llamas?

NBC viewers already recognize Tom as he has been a substitute anchor for both Today and Nightly News in the past. The Emmy-winning journalist previously worked at ABC News, anchoring ABC World News Tonight on the weekend.

In 2021, he began his work as a senior national correspondent for NBC News. Though he will be taking over Lester’s position on NBC Nightly News, Tom will still continue hosting Top Story With Tom Llamas.

When the announcement was made to the Nightly News team, Lester shared a sweet sentiment about a conversation he had with Tom about the job.

“We spoke on the phone today, and I told him, it’s not only one of the great jobs, but it’s a great staff he’s inheriting,” Lester said, per People. “I know you all will give him your 100% support as you make the transition.”

“As I told him, it’s important to make the broadcast his, and you will over time, so we’ll make this transition work. But I’m happy, happy for Tom and his family – and crush it my friend,” the news anchor added of his successor.

In addition to his role on the network, Tom is a father of three. He shares his kids, Malena and Juju and Tomas, with wife Jennifer Llamas. The NBC personality gushed about parenthood during a November 2021 interview with Yahoo!Life.

“They bring so much happiness to me and my wife. We like to go on vacation together but we’re at the point where we want to take them along,” he said. “Thankfully, we have all the grandparents who come in and help us out. But now, we just want to spend time with them and be together.”