Saeed Ahmed has left the BBC after joining from NPR last October.
This is with immediate effect.
Ahmed was playing an important role in merging the BBCs news channels before his abrupt departure.
Saeed Ahmed has left the BBCBBC
The BBC declined to comment, but there is confidence the recruitment process will be unaffected.
The plan is unpopular with staff, however, with around 70 jobs on the line.
Naja Nielsen, BBC Newss digital director, is overseeing the changes.
Ahmed worked at NPR for more than a year.
