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.
