Aitkin is understood to be taking a three-month break to consider other business projects. The Sportsman has described the split as "amicable", but the news will come as a blow to the title, which has so far failed to meet its target circulation of 40,000 -- the figure touted as the minimum requirement to break even in its first year.
There has been no announcement from The Sportsman on who will replace Aitkin, but digital director Mark Maydon will take on some of his responsibilities in the interim.
Aitkin, the great-grandson of former Daily Express proprietor Lord Beaverbrook, was integral to the launch of The Sportsman, overseeing its 18-month development and launch phase.
The Sportsman is entering an important phase in its development, with a significant World Cup sales spike needed to lift its circulation above its current level of 21,819.
The title faces established competition from Trinity Mirror's Racing Post, which has an ABC circulation of 81,228.
Jeremy Deedes, The Sportsman chairman, had previously described paper's circulation as "a significant beachhead" in its attempt to become an established national daily newspaper.
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