Recruitment chief Tony Jimenez has become the first of Mike Ashley's principal backroom staff to leave Newcastle since the club was put up for sale.
Jimenez took the decision to depart St James' Park and the club have stated he is looking to "pursue other interests".
Sources close to Jimenez have indicated he is looking to stay in football and hopes to find a new club before long, however before new owners come in at Newcastle he opted to walk away from his high-profile position on Tyneside.
Ashley's successors may look to overhaul the Newcastle staff, which could leaves others vulnerable, and club officials did not stand in the way of the Londoner quitting his role as vice-president (player recruitment).
A club statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Tony Jimenez has left the club.
"Tony, who was appointed vice-president (player recruitment) in January, has made the decision in order to pursue other interests.
"Newcastle United thanks Tony for all of his hard work and efforts and wishes him every success in the future."
Executive director (football) Dennis Wise, Jimenez and technical co-ordinator Jeff Vetere were put in place in January to oversee Newcastle's recruitment policy.
They have brought a series of young players to the north-east, and were also asked to strengthen the first-team squad during the summer - which led to major clashes with then manager Kevin Keegan.
Keegan resigned last month after furious disagreements with managing director Derek Llambias over the club's transfer policy, which saw James Milner sold to Aston Villa and Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez drafted in.
It is understood Keegan, who had insisted Milner was not for sale, had little say in the summer acquisitions, and he was enraged when it emerged there had been efforts to unload high-earners Michael Owen, Joey Barton and Alan Smith as the transfer window closed.
Keegan's departure sparked angry supporter protests against the Ashley regime, which prompted the owner to look into selling the club, which remains an ongoing process.
Investment bankers Seymour Pierce have been instructed to find a buyer, and interested parties - the Magpies believe there are six serious candidates - have been given until next Friday to declare their hands.
Jimenez flew out to Dubai with Ashley, Wise and Llambias after Ashley announced his intention to sell, in the hope that his business contacts could help them push through a quick sale.
However, that mission came to nothing and it was then that Seymour Pierce were engaged.
Ashley had earlier tried to persuade Keegan to return, but sources on Tyneside have been quick to play down suggestions that Jimenez's exit could pave the way for a reconciliation.
At least two of the consortia linked with the club have vowed to re-appoint 57-year-old Keegan.
