Ken Alexander, one the founders of The Walrus magazine, has resigned as editor of the five-year-old general-interest publication, it was announced Tuesday.

Alexander, who has served as editor since 2004, said he was leaving to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family, according to a news release.

Alexander was a high school English and history teacher and later senior producer of the CBC Newsworld current affairs show counterSpin. He is author of Toward Freedom: The African-Canadian Experience.

At the recent National Magazine Awards, The Walrus won six golds and four silvers in a variety of categories.

"The mandate of the Walrus Foundation is to extend public discourse on matters vital to Canadians," said Shelley Ambrose, executive director of the non-profit foundation and publisher of The Walrus. "As editor, Ken succeeded in doing exactly that — and more. He will be an extremely hard act to follow."

A search committee of board members and the publisher has been struck to seek a new editor.

Alexander will stay on until July 4 to put out the September issue.