FTC Chairman to Announce Resignation

Jon Leibowitz

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz on Friday announcedplans to leave the agency, sharpening an already spirited succession battle and potentially opening an awkward transition period for an agency on the forefront of consumer protection.

"We have made significant strides," Leibowitz said in an interview late Thursday, confirming his plan to resign from the FTC, effective in mid-February. "It's a good time to leave."