Senior policy advisor Jo Dipple will lead the company while the organisation recruits a replacement.

Since joining the company in 2008, Sharkey has helped UK Music become the focus of the music industry's political lobbying acting as a mouthpiece for the industry.

Speaking about his departure, Sharkey said he "wanted continue on other journeys" but offered no further detail.

UK Music chairman Andy Heath said Sharkey's departure was a sad day for the organisation and added, "Feargal has worked tirelessly ...