CBC Radio vice-president Jane Chalmers is set to retire from the public broadcaster at the end of the year, president Robert Rabinovitch announced to staff on Friday.

Chalmers, whose last day will be Dec. 31, described her decision to retire as a personal one that she's thought about over the past few months and after the deaths of several people close to her.

CBC Radio vice-president Jane Chalmers will retire as of Dec. 31.
(CBC)

"Work has always been the priority. And then suddenly you realize about the time that you've missed and you question whether you've got the right balance in life," she told CBCNews.ca Arts.

"Throughout my career, I've never stayed at any job for too long — I've tried to leave when things are at a high point. But this job, more than any I've ever been at, demands a level of energy and commitment that I'm not sure that I can personally make anymore."

After selling her home in Toronto, Chalmers intends to relocate to be closer to her family, either in the Prairies or on the West Coast.

"After I get settled and just take some time and some deep breaths, I'll figure out what else I want to do," she said.

Chalmers' departure "will be an incredible loss to the organization," Rabinovitch said in a statement Friday. 

"Few people I've had the opportunity to work with have displayed such passion and drive for results."

Chalmers began her CBC career in Calgary in 1984 as an on-air host. She moved on to more senior posts, including reporting for The National and The National Magazine, as well as senior producer and directorial positions in news and current affairs in the Prairies.

Chalmers, also a former director of current affairs and weekly programs for CBC-TV, succeeded Alex Frame as vice-president of CBC Radio in late 2002.

Her main focuses over the years have included the integration between CBC's TV, radio and online services and increasing the profile of regional programming across Canada.

Chalmers listed a host of accomplishments she is proud of from her five years heading CBC Radio, from having top-rated morning shows across the country to establishing new offerings on digital platforms to building a strong leadership team.

Most importantly, however, "I think we have greatly increased the level of creativity and risk-taking and the program-making both in terms of number of programs and quality, right across the country," she said.

"I think [CBC Radio] right now is a successful, creative, energetic place where people feel there are many opportunities for them."

She added that she will always be a CBC listener and "cheerleader" — specifically keeping an eye on how her successor will deal with projects like a plan to build new radio stations in Canada's fast-growing cities and further expansion of CBC Radio on digital platforms.

"I told the folks here that I'll call every once in a while and let you know how I think you're doing," she said, laughing.

Jennifer McGuire, CBC Radio's executive director of programming, will serve as vice-president of CBC Radio on an interim basis.