Greg Britton, director of Minnesota Historical Society Press for nine years, said Thursday he will leave in January to take on the directorship of Getty Publications at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

During his tenure, Britton expanded the press' number of publications from eight to 30 books a year, diversified its list -- from scholarly histories to photography, regional literature, cookbooks, memoir and poetry -- and founded the Borealis Books imprint.

The many titles he acquired include Larry Millett's "AIA Guide to the Twin Cities," Susanna Short's "Bundt Cake Bliss," Ann Burckhardt's "Hot Dish Heaven," Joel Turnipseed's "Baghdad Express," Cheri Register's "Packinghouse Daughter" and Kevin Kling's "The Dog Says How."

"It was so hard to make this decision," Britton said. "This next challenge comes with lots of resources and a chance to do what I do on an international stage."

Britton said a national search is underway for a new director.