Supercars PR and Communications boss Nick Johnston has resigned from his position at the organisation after serving a brief tenure.

Johnston joined the category in the second half of 2015 having previously worked in the AFL at GWS Giants and the Nine Network Australia.

He was drafted in to replace Cole Hitchcock, who held the role for more than 11 years.

Supercars chief executive James Warburton has confirmed the reasoning behind Johnston’s departure in a prepared statement.

“Nick has made an excellent contribution to the sport in the time he has been with Supercars and played an instrumental role in building coverage of the sport,” read a statement in part from Warburton.

“He has played a key role in developing our digital strategy for the next five years and has been a driving force behind next year’s season launch in Adelaide.

“He has also helped launch the partnership with Virgin Australia and managed a number of issues for the business extremely successfully.

“Nick feels he can no longer commit to the sport and the travel involved and wants to spend more time with his young family and pursue other opportunities back in Melbourne next year.

“This is not an easy decision but one I understand and respect.

“On a personal note, Nick has been a tremendous support to me as CEO and worked closely with staff, teams, drivers and our key stakeholders.”

Johnston will leave the company at end of next week while it is not known whether he will be replaced.