A statement said the two "agreed to go their separate ways, following the finalisation of two major contracts".

The competition's offices have also relocated to Birmingham.

"We fully understand John's ties with the south-east, which make (his) relocation impractical," Conference chairman Brian Lee explained.

"In view of the fact that we now have two major long-term commercial agreements in place, the marketing opportunities for the competition, for which John assumed responsibility, will be limited.

I feel that I am leaving the competition in its healthiest ever state both from commercial and footballing perspectives Departing Conference chief executive John Moules

"We have parted on the best of terms and are extremely grateful to John for his many years of loyal service."

During the summer, the Conference agreed a new sponsorship deal which has seen the Conference National league rebranded as the Blue Square Premier.

A television coverage deal was also agreed with Setanta, replacing the previous agreement with Sky.

Moules told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I feel that I am leaving the competition in its healthiest ever state both from commercial and footballing perspectives.

"Having played a significant role in the delivery of both Setanta and Blue Square I believe that it is time for me to move on.

"I have realised that it is simply not possible for me to serve the best interests of the Conference unless I can be at the heart of things in the Midlands and that is not possible for me."

However, he denied that his decision had anything to do with a recent petition from Tamworth, who were relegated from the Conference National last season, for him to step down over various issues, including Crawley Town's survival in the Conference.