Perth Bears general manager of football Gareth Holmes is due to take over as interim CEO in the coming weeks, while the club searches for a permanent leader.
His appointment follows Anthony De Ceglie's immediate departure, confirmed by the club.
A former media executive, De Ceglie was among the Bears' first appointments last year and had reportedly faced pressure from the board.
Earlier this week, reports said NRL CEO Peter V'landys had intervened and De Ceglie had three months to save his job.
The club has made progress securing sponsorship, although concerns have surfaced about the relationship between head coach Mal Meninga and assistant Ben Gardiner.
Former head of football David Sharpe left in April, and Holmes is taking his place.
Meninga has maintained confidence in the squad, but the Bears are short-priced favourites to collect the wooden spoon in their first season.
In a statement confirming his exit, De Ceglie said, "I'm extremely proud of what the hard-working Perth Bears team has achieved in the past year."
He said the club was in "exceptional hands" under Meninga and Gardiner, and thanked V'landys, the board, partners and affiliates.
Players are preparing to move across the country ahead of pre-season, which begins in just over a month.