Today is now entirely led by women after the departure of its longtime executive producer

The Daily Beast

Don Nash, who’s led the 7 to 9 a.m. portion of Today since 2012, had a close working relationship with Matt Lauer, though it’s not known if that was the reason for his exit because executive producer changes usually coincide with anchor changes. In his place is Libby Leist, the first woman to lead Today’s first two hours in the iconic morning show's 66-year history. Leist joins Megyn Kelly Today executive producer Jackie Levin and Hoda & Kathie Lee Today executive producer Tammy Filler in forming an all-female producing team for the Today franchise. “She is very well-liked. She’ll be great,” an NBC News insider tells The Daily Beast of Leist.

ALSO:

• Leist started as a desk assistant at NBC News’ Washington bureau, working closely with Savannah Guthrie
• Don Nash was seen as being part of "Matt's Club"  —  so was Giada de Laurentiis, who may also be excluded from the Lauer-free Today