In a statement, Wortley said, "It is with sincere best wishes that I have tendered my resignation from Texas Ballet Theater. I made a difficult decision in the best interest of the ballet and myself to pursue other opportunities. I am as enthusiastic as ever about the future of this talented group of people and I wish [artistic director] Ben [Stevenson], the leadership team, the dancers, and the staff the very best. They are an amazing group of people with a very exciting future ahead."

Before joining the company, Wortley studied music at the University of Texas and spent two decades as an executive at Electronic Data Systems, the data-services company founded by Ross Perot.

He replaced David Mallette at Texas Ballet Theater, who spent 15 years with the company, previously known as Fort Worth Dallas Ballet.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, artistic director Ben Stevenson and other officials will meet later this week to discuss the company's next steps. Kathleen B. Stevens, a member of TBT's management committee, told the paper that the company may choose to alter its structure and do away with the executive-director position.