The A.J. Daulerio Gawker era is coming to a close. According to New York’s Daily Intelligencer, Daulerio is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Gawker, and John Cook is succeeding him.

“John Cook is the most experienced reporter on the team, a surprisingly powerful opinion writer and a gossip of the most refined kind,” wrote Nick Denton, in a memo. “He has natural authority. John will preserve the crew and build on the success of 2012. I’m grateful to AJ for leaving Gawker in such great shape and I can’t wait to see what John and his colleagues will do in 2013. Roger Ailes’ excitement may be more muted.”

For the full Denton memo and Daulerio’s note to staffers, head over to Daily Intelligencer.