World News substitute anchor David Muir ascends to head anchor following the departure of Diane Sawyer, according to MSN.

The anchor, 40, will be the youngest anchor to take the helm in 50 years. His first broadcast in the lead spot occurs Monday, Sept. 1.

In addition to a new lead anchor, the show will also have a new executive producer, Almin Karamehmedovic. The new producer was hired because he has a “thirst for the world,” according to Muir.

World travel and hard-hitting stories will reportedly define Muir’s tenure behind the World News desk.

“A huge part of this for me was a promise that I was not going to be tethered to the anchor desk,” remarked Muir.

Muir, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., was hired by ABC News president David Westin, who states that “all of the elements of being a news anchor he (Muir) does superbly.” Known for his versatility, Muir is comfortable in the field, in the studio and in the interviewer’s chair.

“The evening news is evolving rapidly, and I think we have to be extraordinarily nimble,” said Muir.

Muir has also anchored World News Saturday, Primetime and 20/20. He first joined ABC in 2003.