Simon Crookall announced his resignation Thursday, saying he was "ready to move on to (his) next challenge." He wished the group's staff and musicians well.

The 51-year-old native of Cheshire, England, helped guide the orchestra through a recession while handling one conductor's departure and welcoming a young successor.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/yTJUGv ) that his departure is a surprise to some in the Indianapolis arts community.

The orchestra says vice-president of finance and strategic planning Jackie Groth will serve as interim president and CEO while the group's board of directors searches for a replacement.

Copyright The Canadian Press