Paul Guzzi will retire as CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce after an 18-year tenure, the organization announced Thursday.

Guzzi, 72, will remain in the position until his successor is chosen, the chamber said. A search committee led by Chamber Chair John Fish and past chair Karen Kaplan will begin the search for Guzzi’s replacement. They are interviewing executive search firms to assist in the recruitment of candidates.

"I love the chamber and am proud of the work we have done to improve our region’s business climate, cultivate future leaders, and strengthen our community," Guzzi said in a statement. "The chamber’s strong position makes this the ideal time for me to step aside and let a new leader usher the organization into its next phase."

Guzzi served as a state representative from Newton, chief of staff to former Gov. Edward King, vice president of state and community affairs for Boston College, vice president of Wang Laboratories and a consultant for the firm Heidrick & Struggles. He was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and a graduate of Harvard University. Guzzi, a Newton resident, was elected secretary of state in 1974.

"He is not only an effective and inspired leader, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the business community and the community at large, but he is also an important figure in our region. He will be difficult to replace, but we will work hard to fill his very big shoes," Kaplan said in a statement.

Material from State House News Service was included in this report.