The radio group announced today that Orchard will continue as an executive of GCap Media until 30 April, but will step down from the company's board with immediate effect.
Orchard was considered one of the front runners for the position of GCap chief executive, following previous incumbent Ralph Bernard's departure in December. Fru Hazlitt was appointed GCap chief executive on 20 December.
He worked alongside Bernard at GWR for many years prior to its merger with Capital Radio and the subsequent creation of GCap Media.
The departure comes at a critical juncture for GCap, which is in the process of reviewing its strategy and has been approached by Global Radio over potential takeover talks. GCap chief executive Fru Hazlitt is to present her new plans for the company on 11 February.
It is not clear why Orchard is leaving the company, although he noted that he is "looking forward to new challenges outside GCap".
Richard Eyre, GCap Media chairman, said Orchard had played a key role in developing GWR and GCap Media over a period of 24 years.
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