Blackwater founder, CEO resigns

(CNN) - Erik Prince, founder of the Blackwater Worldwide security firm, announced on Monday that he has resigned as head of the company, recently renamed Xe.

"We have had incredible success in the fields of security, stability operations, aviation, training and logistics," Prince wrote in an e-mail sent to the company's employees and independent contractors.

"These successes are the result of your hard work and commitment. Looking ahead, I am confident that through your continued dedication and our constant re-evaluation of operations, we will continue to lead the way."

Prince said he will be replaced as the company's CEO by Danielle Esposito, who has worked for the firm and its partners for nearly 10 years. Blackwater/Xe's president, Gary Jackson, is also stepping down to retire, Prince said.