GTA V producer & studio head, Leslie Benzies, leaves Rockstar NorthMumbai, Jan 14(AZINS) Rockstar North's Leslie Benzies, has reportedly left the company, following a sabbatical that began in September 2014. The developer was one of the senior-most at Rockstar, having worked for the Scottish studio since 1999.

It's important to note that Benzies was an important part of the studio's Grand Theft Auto game series, and was the studio head and producer for GTA III, IV, and V. He was also instrumental in the development of other Rockstar titles like Manhunt 2, Red Dead Redemption, and L.A. Noire. In a statement to the press, Rockstar said, "We can confirm that Leslie Benzies went on sabbatical on September 1, 2014 and has decided not to return to work for the company. We are very grateful for Leslie’s contributions to Rockstar over the last 15 years as we worked together to make some amazing games".

In addition to Benzies' departure, Rockstar North now also has two new studio heads on board; Rob Nelson, the animation director from the PC version of GTA V, and Aaron Garbut, the game's old studio art director.