This blog post explores how a short written greeting can convey sincere gratitude and apologies, examining the core elements of writing that convey deep meaning within concise expressions.

Farewell Address Upon Resigning as CEO

As the emcee just mentioned, I am resigning from my position as CEO of our company effective today. Despite my many shortcomings, I was able to fulfill my duties without major incident until today thanks to the immeasurable cooperation and support from all executives and employees. I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude.
Standing before you all at this farewell gathering, memories of the past rush through my mind like a galloping horse, filling me with profound emotion. Looking back, when I first started this business in a single-room shack on the outskirts of ○○ Market, I never even dreamed it would grow into a major company with sales of ○○ billion won today.
It was long ago, but after reading a book titled ‘Jewish Business Tactics,’ I realized that the people of Korea were excessively indifferent to ○○. Seizing upon that insight, I founded ○○ Company. However, at that time, there were almost no people willing to pay money for ○○. It felt utterly futile, like driving a nail into a pile of rice bran. Had it not been for your encouragement during that time—“President, let’s persevere!”—I would have abandoned this venture long ago, and today’s ○○ Company would not exist.
Since then, our company has driven change by transitioning ahead of competitors from ‘○○ by people’ to ‘○○ by computer systems’. As a result, the company’s achievements have now reached a stable phase. Therefore, following the saying “Old soldiers never die,” I have decided to pass the baton to the next generation.
The newly appointed President ○○○ has a proven track record of forging new deals with major corporations, built on his youthful vigor and relentless drive—so much so that he was dubbed the “storming leader” regardless of rain or shine. He also possesses an extensive network spanning diverse industries. With confidence in his capabilities, there should be no concerns about the company’s future operations. Recently, his leadership has matured further, and his managerial judgment and execution skills have grown increasingly sharp, so you need not worry.
As I prepare to bid you farewell, unfinished tasks keep coming to mind, leaving me with lingering regret. I sincerely hope that, centered around the new president, you will all unite your efforts to complete the tasks I was unable to resolve and continue to grow our company even further. I, too, will actively support you from my position as an advisor.
With this, I conclude my farewell address, sincerely wishing you all health and happiness, and our company’s continued prosperity. I deeply thank everyone who has helped me in so many ways over the years.
Farewell.

Brief Retirement Address

As we welcome the season of new growth, I sincerely wish you continued prosperity.
I have now retired from ○○ Corporation upon reaching mandatory retirement age. Looking back, ○ years have passed since I joined the company. I express my deepest gratitude for the guidance and support I received throughout this time. It was through your teachings and consideration that I was able to learn and grow significantly while performing my duties.
From this point forward, I am honored to once again be entrusted by ○○ Corporation as I embark on a new chapter in my life. I consider it a great privilege and a meaningful opportunity to begin another challenge in this new environment.
While it would have been proper etiquette to visit you in person to formally bid farewell, ongoing work responsibilities and training for my new role have prevented me from securing sufficient time to do so. I deeply apologize for this and kindly ask for your understanding that I must convey my greetings in writing.
Once again, I express my deepest gratitude for all your kindness over the years and humbly request your continued guidance and support.

A Brief Farewell

As we welcome the season of clear skies and crisp air, I sincerely wish your company prosperity (or your household peace).
Due to ○○, I will be retiring from ○○ Corporation, where I have been indebted for many years, effective ○/○. I have received much guidance and encouragement from your company (you) during this time, and I express my deepest gratitude. Looking back, during my ○ years of service at ○○ Corporation, I experienced various concerns and worries, such as ○○, and gained numerous lessons.
After retirement, I will be working at ○○ at ○○ Corporation. I am determined to apply the lessons learned during my tenure at ○○ Corporation and work even more diligently. While I anticipate many challenges ahead, I will do my utmost at my current workplace to repay the kindness and support your company (you) has shown me over the years.
I sincerely request your continued guidance and support moving forward. Though humble, I offer my greetings in writing for now.

Brief Written Greetings

I sincerely wish you ever greater prosperity as we welcome the season of new growth.
I am writing to inform you that I have resigned due to sudden circumstances, for which I deeply apologize. Looking back, I deeply regret that despite receiving guidance and support in various ways over the past ○ years at the company, I am leaving without having been able to repay that kindness in any meaningful way.
From now on, I intend to dedicate myself to ○○ as my primary occupation, striving to live honestly and independently without relying on anyone. Through this new beginning, I pledge to once again fulfill my responsibilities and dedicate my utmost effort.
I deeply regret that circumstances prevented me from visiting in person to formally bid farewell. I sincerely hope you will understand my necessity to convey my farewell in writing. Finally, I sincerely wish you continued good health.