Reports are coming in that Allen Williams, chief executive and managing director of Antony Catalano's Australian Community Media, has resigned.

Marketing trade publication Mumbrella says staff were told of the departure in an email from Catalano.

Williams will leave on December 18 after more than 30 years with ACM and its predecessors Fairfax Media and Rural Press.

Although "disappointed" by the resignation, Catalano paid tribute to Williams' "outstanding contribution" to the business throughout its evolution.

"Allen's experience across the business and his extensive industry knowledge has been a critical factor in helping steer us through the past year, which has presented some of the most challenging financial conditions ever faced by the Australian media sector," he said.

Catalano says having "had the pleasure" of working with Williams over many of the 30 years, he was grateful for his decision to stay on after the acquisition from Nine.

"On behalf of Alex (Waislitz), ACM's executive leadership team and everyone across the ACM business, I would like to sincerely thank Allen for his generous contributions as a leader, mentor and colleague."

Williams joined Rural Press in 1990 following time with other publishers including News, ACP and Mt Isa North West Star publisher Sir Asher Joel.

His career has included leading Rural's operations in Victoria, the US and New Zealand.