Craig Melvin will become the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show beginning early next year, following the departure of Hoda Kotb. He will join Savannah Guthrie on Monday, January 13. Kotb’s final day on the morning show will be Friday,

Craig Melvin, the NBC News veteran long seen as a possible co-anchor for "Today," will step up for the outgoing Hoda Kotb, who announced her departure in September. The appointment was announced Thursday morning on the "Today" broadcast.

Craig Melvin, who has been with NBC News for nearly 14 years, is moving into the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours. He will begin Monday, Jan. 13, after Hoda says goodbye to her morning duties on Friday, Jan. 10.