IBJ Editor Tom Harton announced to staff Monday that he will step down March 15 after 22 years in the position.

Harton, 50, has been with IBJ since 1984, four years after its founding. He will remain with IBJ Media Corp. to handle special projects, a part-time role that will allow him to explore other interests.

Succeeding Harton will be Greg Andrews, 47, IBJ’s managing editor since 2005. Andrews, who writes the newspaper’s Behind the News column, spent six years at IBJ in the 1990s before joining The Indianapolis Star in 1997. He rose to business editor before rejoining IBJ in September 2000.

"I'm looking forward to new challenges and a change of pace after more than two decades as editor,” Harton said. “Greg Andrews and our newsroom team will keep IBJ on top, and I'll be here to help in any way I can.

"My new role will allow me to remain involved with IBJ but give me the flexibility to explore some opportunities outside the company."

Under Harton’s leadership, IBJ won dozens of national journalism awards. In 2007, the Alliance of Area Business Publications recognized IBJ as the nation’s best large-market business journal. In 2009, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers gave the publication its national first-place award for general excellence.

“I’ve had the honor to work with Tom Harton for more than 20 years, and he’s been an amazing asset to IBJ,” said Greg Morris, IBJ’s president and publisher. “And I know Tom will continue to make significant contributions to the company in his new role.

“Additionally, IBJ is very fortunate to have Greg Andrews at the ready to take over as editor in mid-March. Greg has established himself as a well-respected journalist, investigative reporter and leader not only here in Indiana, but nationally as well.”