Tony Cassara is stepping down as CEO of Young Broadcasting after less than a year at the helm, the company announced today.

“Tony has advised us that he would like to pursue interests outside of Young Broadcasting, including the ownership of other broadcasting stations,” Thomas Sullivan, Young Broadcasting’s chairman of the board, said in a statement. “Accordingly, Tony has tendered his resignation as chief executive officer and member of the board of directors, effective March 13, 2012. We wish Tony well in his new endeavors.”

Deborah McDermott will continue in her role as president of Young Broadcasting and will be responsible for day-to-day operations as the company searches for Cassara’s replacement. Cassara will also give up his seat on Young’s board of directors.

Cassara is a former general manager of KTLA, the CW-affiliate in Los Angeles. He is also a former president of Paramount Pictures’ Television Stations Group.

“I have enjoyed very much my association with Young Broadcasting and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish during my time there,” Cassara said in a statement.

Young Broadcasting owns 14 local stations in 11 markets.