Although NESN said in a statement yesterday that Feld, who had been there since November 2005 and oversaw the network’s shows and game production as executive vice president of programming and executive producer, had “decided to leave,’’ an industry source said the decision was made by network executives.

“Joel has made significant contributions to NESN’s growth and success,’’ said Sean McGrail, NESN’s president and CEO. “We are very grateful for the passion and leadership he brought to work every day and wish him the best in his future endeavors.’’

The timing of the move is surprising. Although NESN has endured some notable disappointments over the past year — the household rating for Sox telecasts plummeted from 9.4 in 2009 to 6.0 last season, and the much-hyped “NESN Daily’’ program flopped in its original format — the network should get a significant boost from what is a highly anticipated baseball season. NESN will broadcast 150 Sox games this year.