In an email to staff, deputy director general Mark Byford, who is also due to leave the BBC this year following redundancy, praised Clifton for his "pivotal role in taking BBC News into the digital age".
"From a sub on Ceefax through to working on and shaping the fledgeling BBC News website, Pete became the outstanding head of the world-class, award-winning bbc.co.uk/news team. He then established the BBC's Sport website.
"In the past four years he has played a central role in developing the BBC's journalism offers for the digital age at UK, global and local levels glueing the multi-platform dimensions. He led the major re-designs and refreshes of the BBC News and BBC Sport websites; launched Democracy Live; launched the new BBC News app and led the work on the Journalism portal. He also led the brilliant, creative interactive offer for the General Election.
"I know I speak for all his colleagues when I say how much I've admired Pete's passion, skill, integrity, humour (most of the time!), creativity and decency," Byford added.
News of Clifton's set departure comes as BBC director general Mark Thompson addressed the importance of multimedia journalism at the Financial Times Digital Media and Broadcasting Conference today.
According to Media Week, Thompson said the future of news and information is multi-platform and multi-media.
"In the UK, it is those players who have an interest in multiple platforms who have the highest share of news consumption," Thompson said.
Free daily newsletter
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
