According to published reports, CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” has let go Josh O’Connell, a longtime associate producer with the series. O’Connell, who began his career with the soap in various production positions in the mid-1990s, had been an associate producer at “Y&R” since 2003.

“So sorry to hear about Josh O’Connell’s exit from #YR @YRInsider – he’s a wonderful, devoted, valuable gent. Poor move @CBSDaytime,” wrote TV Guide‘s Michael Logan on his Twitter page on Sunday, when news of O’Connell’s ouster first came to light.

“Twenty years ago I began an incredible journey at ‘The Young and the Restless’ which has changed my life in more ways than I can begin to express. Since my tenure began in 1994, I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of extraordinary teams, starting with the creative genius of the late Bill Bell Sr. and with the remarkable co-creator Lee Phillip Bell,” wrote O’Connell in a message to his friends and colleagues. “I believe in this unique generation-spanning genre as much now as I did my first day on the job. As I move on to my next journey, I want you all to know how grateful I am to each and every one of you for irreplaceable memories and friendships that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”