GTA developer and Rockstar North boss Leslie Benzies has left the company

Rockstar North boss Leslie Benzies and Grand Theft Auto developer has left the company.

Benzies joined the developer in 1999 and played a "major role" in the development of Grand Theft Auto series, eventually taking responsibility for the series starting with GTA 3, according to GI.biz.

Rockstar said he went on sabbatical in September once GTA 5 was released.

"We can confirm that Leslie Benzies went on sabbatical on September 1, 2014 and has decided not to return to work for the company," Rockstar confirmed to Kotaku.

"Leslie helped us build an incredible team that will continue to create great experiences for our fans."

Rockstar went on to state Benzies "will always be a friend to the company," and that the firm wishes him the "absolute best" for the future.

Benzies is credited as the producer on other Rockstar titles such as Red Dead Redemption, LA Noire and Max Payne 3.