Veteran investigative reporter Tony Kovaleski is leaving Denver’s KMGH after more than a decade with the station to join KNTV in the Bay Area.

“I wasn’t going to leave Denver for anything but a great opportunity,” Kovaleski told the Denver Post, adding that NBC’s KNTV is “committed to building the biggest and best investigative unit in the Bay Area.”

Kovaleski grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from San Jose State University.  Since joining KMGH in May of 2011, he has brought home a number of awards, including several Emmys, and was twice named “Best Specialty Reporter” by the Colorado Broadcasters Association.

Last month NBC Universal announced a plan to hire for more than 130 positions across its stations.  Kovaleski’s hiring at KNTV may likely be one of the first connected to NBCU’s new investment in local news.