U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says he is leaving the Obama administration next month.
The President praised Kirk for getting trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. Mr. Obama also thanked Kirk for fighting what he called unfair trade practices around the world.
The U.S. Trade Representative is a part of the president's cabinet, and Kirk served in the post four years.
He is an attorney, an early Obama supporter and was mayor of Dallas, Texas, for two terms.