The Queens Park Rangers chief executive, Phil Beard, has resigned after coming to feel marginalised by the promotion of Les Ferdinand to the post of director of football. Beard, who has been at the west London club for three and a half years, has seen Ferdinand assume responsibility in the key areas on the footballing side of the business.

Ferdinand, a favourite during his QPR playing days, returned to Loftus Road last October as the head of football operations, with a brief to overhaul the club’s underachieving academy. But his remit was broadened last Tuesday, in the wake of Harry Redknapp’s resignation, to include responsibility for player recruitment – he will work with the manager to identify potential signings.

Ferdinand’s elevation also reflects a loss of confidence in Beard by the club’s owners. Beard will not depart until 15 March, which the chairman, Tony Fernandes, hopes will allow for a “smooth transitional period prior to making a new appointment”.

Beard said: “The role of the CEO at QPR has changed in the wake of the recent senior management changes, especially on the football side of the club. While the changes have been positive, the decision-making process is evolving all the time at the club and I felt now was a sensible time to move on to other opportunities.”

Ferdinand brought Chris Ramsey to the club last November to assist him in his work at the academy – the pair had worked together at Tottenham Hotspur. But, after Redknapp’s departure, Ramsey was appointed as caretaker manager and he will continue in the role until the end of the season.