Darley boss Olly Tait will quit his role as chief operating officer for one of the world's biggest thoroughbred empires.

His decision to part company with Darley will end a 15-year tenure managing Sheikh Mohammed's global breeding interests.

Tait, a member of one of Australian racing's best-known families, is expected to stay in the racing industry.

"Now is the right time in my career for me to seek new challenges and explore other opportunities within the thoroughbred industry," Tait said in a Darley statement.

Tait was instrumental in helping Darley establish breeding footholds in Australia and Japan.

He was also in charge of Darley's United States operation before moving to Newmarket in England after his appointment as chief operating officer.

Tait will leave Darley next month.