Retirement Sample Speech

Hello everyone and welcome to this bitter-sweet occasion.

It is most difficult to be saying goodbye to (Name). However, I’m also thrilled that (name) is leaving us in tip top shape. He now has the time and energy to spend that hard earned pension before the stock market falls a little further.

(Name) joined our organization over (enter # of years). From the start he was a pillar in the (name of department) department. The success list runs long both on a team and individual level. It was (name) who introduced (enter a specific individual contribution/innovation) in 1973 at the height of a nasty recession. At the time everyone thought he was crazy. However, we quickly learned that (first name) has a magic touch that is most evident in the toughest of economic times. We certainly could use his touch as we are embroiled in the worst recession since the second world war.

(Name) also was instrumental in the (specific team achievement) re-organization of the (enter product name) product line in 1995. Amid sagging sales, this unit increased sales by (enter percentage) and this line continues to be a best seller today.

However, it is (name’s) courage and tenacity that impressed me the most over the years. When (enter specific example of tenacity) the Japanese fiercely competed with the family sedan, (name’s) division was the only division to post record sales in 2003. It is this tenacity that is (name’s) legacy.

This halls and corridors of this organization will feel somewhat hollow without him. As I take up the baton as his successor I am reminded of a story about the resignation of Benjamin Franklin as minister to France in 1777. His successor was Thomas Jefferson. When the French minister greeted him he said “Mr. Jefferson, have you come to replace Dr. Franklin?” Jefferson quickly shot back, “No one can ever replace Benjamin Franklin. I am only succeeding him.” No one, including myself can ever replace (name). I can only hope that over the next few months, I will learn from hearing the many stories that will forever ring throughout the organization.

Although we are saying goodbye to (Name) this will not be the last we see or hear of him. He’s merely retiring and as far as I know he has already agreed to join us at the next company cruise. I am sure that we will be turning to him for some pearls of wisdom. And I think I can speak for everyone that we all look forward to hearing about all his holiday travels to (name vacation destination – eg – Italy) when he and (name of spouse) return.

Lastly, I would like to wish you all the very best on behalf of all of us. We really hope that you enjoy your retired life as much as you enjoyed working with us.

Please raise your glasses to (Name’s) new beginning. We’ll miss you.

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