New Zealand Cricket's director of cricket, Australian John Buchanan, is leaving the role effective immediately.
Buchanan's cited family circumstances as the reason behind the decision and will return to his native Australia.
He took up the position in 2011 and overhauled the Black Caps' selection policy, employing compatriot Kim Littlejohn as national selection manager.
New Zealand Cricket on Friday announced it is abandoning the Buchanan's selection structure it brought in 18 months ago and handing power back to the national coach.
Buchanan and chief executive David White have always had a difficult relationship and the latest policy change appears to have been the final straw for Buchanan, who was contracted through until the 2015 World Cup.
