Christopher Caine, the head of IBM's worldwide programs based in Washington, is stepping down, National Journal has confirmed. He will leave in March to start his own company, Mercator XXI, which will focus on navigating the global economy. Caine, vice president for governmental programs at IBM, has led the company's offices and teams in 35 countries for the past 13 years. He has worked for IBM for 25 years.

Updated at 5:19 p.m. on Feb. 23.