New York Stock Exchange president and co-COO, Robert Britz, will retire at year end after more than 33 years at the exchange.

CEO John Thain announced the move today, noting that Britz informed him several months ago of his intention to retire. Thain said that Britz deeply deserves the exchange’s gratitude and appreciation for his contributions to the NYSE’s success.

“Since I arrived here almost two years ago, Bob has been an invaluable colleague and resource to me as well as our entire management team,” said Thain. “Bob’s depth of experience, insight and judgment have helped position the Exchange to maintain its historical leadership position. His leadership and institutional knowledge will be sorely missed by our board, Bob’s colleagues and staff, and me.”

Britz is a member of the Office of the Chairman as well as the co-chair of the NYSE’s management committee. Prior to his current position, he was group executive vice president since June 1995. Britz is also chairman of the Securities Industry Automation Corp., a technology company that is two-thirds owned by the NYSE, and of its subsidiary, SECTOR Inc., a provider of managed data-processing services and telecommunications to the financial-services industry.

He joined the NYSE in 1972, and has held various management positions, including managing director of corporate business development, vice president of new listings and client service, and senior vice president and executive vice president of the same division.

“It has been a privilege to spend my career with the most important and most successful securities market in the world,” Britz said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to that success with my NYSE colleagues over the years. It’s been a great 33 years, and that’s enough.”