Everton say they will continue to give manager Rafael Benitez their "full support" following the departure of director of football Marcel Brands.
The 59-year-old Dutchman joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 but owner Farhad Moshiri has moved to try to tackle the crisis surrounding the club.
Brands has been criticised for his part in Everton's transfer policy which has seen them spend £300m during his reign.
Furious supporters rounded on him and chairman Bill Kenwright at the end of Wednesday's 4-1 Merseyside derby defeat by Liverpool at Goodison Park.
"The board and I agreed that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction for this beautiful club," said Brands.