Fleet production chief, on job just since June, leaves company abruptly.(John T. Daly)

After less than a year on the job, John T. Daly left last week as production chief at Fleet Mortgage Group.

The departure of Mr. Daly, who was executive vice president, comes as the Columbia, S.C., company is continuing its drive to add lending programs and develop better technological systems.

Industry sources said Mr. Daly, who has been in the mortgage business for over a decade, was fired. But Fleet representatives made an effort to defuse the situation.

"I can't disclose the circumstances, but it was amicable," said Nancy Boles, senior vice president. She said of Mr. Daly's tenure, "He brought a lot of energy to the company."

Mr. Daly was at …