Hewlett Foundation President Plans to Retire in 2012

Paul Brest, who has led the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation since 1999, announced on Friday that he will retire from the position next year.

Brest, a former dean of Stanford Law School, said in a message on Hewlett’s website that he had decided the time was right to step down.

“Next summer I will turn 72, the age at which Hewlett board members (including the president) have traditionally retired,” he said. “After 12 years as president, I am planning to leave the foundation to return to teaching.”