Paula Shugart steps down as President of Miss Universe after 23 years

Paula Shugart announced that she is concluding her tenure as the President of the Miss Universe Organization.

The Miss Universe executive made the announcement at the National Costume segment of the pageant's preliminary rounds in El Salvador on Friday, November 17 (Philippine time).

"Saturday will be a culmination and a celebration of this partnership and it's not getting any better than this and I can't think of no better place than this beautiful country on this magnificent stage to announce the end of my tenure as the president of Miss Universe," she said referring to the coronation night of the pageant (Sunday in the Philippines).

"I have decided that this Saturday will be my last show and to be clear this decision has been months in the making and is not any response to recent events," she pointed out.

Paula highlighted that the Miss Universe brand will stay resilient as it is about the bond of a community.

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"I stayed because of my belief in El Salvador and my love for the Miss Universe brand. I always passionately believe Miss Universe is not about any one woman. It's about community, our community. It's about the passionate fans, the titleholders, the national directors who have remained dedicated to this brand through thick and thin, and because of them the Miss Universe brand is strong and will remain resilient," she remarked.

Paula first became president of Miss Universe Organization in 1997.

"I am so proud of all that we've accomplished. We taught women that true beauty is based on confidence and using your voice. We expanded our global reach and focused on telling the stories of all these incredible women," she stated.

Following the announcement of Paula, the Miss Universe Organization released a statement via social media.  

"It is with heavy hearts and crowns that we announce our President, Paula Shugart, is stepping down after Saturday's show, after 23 years," the statement read.

"On stages from Manila to El Salvador, not to mention conference rooms in every city imaginable, Paula has been our rock, guiding light, and number one fan. Paula, we're going to miss you so much, but we can't wait to see what's next on your incredible journey."