Murphy, a former 400 metres runner who represented Australia in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, said he had taken the decision now to leave the APC to minimise any impact on the planning and preparations for the 2012 London Games.

During his brief period in the role Murphy has developed a new legal framework for the APC and it recently became a company limited by guarantee.

He also oversaw a corporate structure for the period 2009 to 2013 and revised its management structure.

Murphy said: “There are strategies in place to expand the already successful role the APC has played for Paralympic sport in Australia and these will assist the further development and expansion of Paralympic sport in Australia.

"I leave the APC knowing that the organisation will go forward.

"I wish the Board and management every success with their endeavours on their road to London.”

Greg Hartung, the President of the APC, said he was disappointed with Murphy’s decision to leave the APC but claimed he understood his desire to explore his business interests.

He said: "We wish Miles every success with his future business endeavours and we thank him for his contribution to the APC since his appointment in 2008."

Murphy had rejoined the APC in November 2008, having previously been the organisation's business development and commercial manager between 2003 and 2005.

He had then left to become the managing director of Sport City in Qatar and the executive general manager of the United Group Services, leaving them to take up the chief executive's role at the APC.