Ashworth (pictured) held talks with Newcastle in January and subsequently resigned a month later, with Brighton placing him on gardening leave.
That period of leave was expected to last until later into 2022, but the two clubs have now come to an agreement to release the 50-year-old from his contract.
Ashworth had spent three years as Technical Director at Brighton, having previously been in the same role during six years at the Football Association.
Weir succeeds Ashworth
Ashworth will be succeeded at Brighton by David Weir (pictured right), who had been Acting Technical Director. Earlier this year Weir was promoted from Pathway Development Manager to Assistant Technical Director.
The former Rangers, Everton and Scotland defender joined Brighton in April 2018, having been an assistant to manager Mark Warburton at each of Brentford, Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
Tony Bloom, Brighton's Chairman, said: “David has shown first hand that he is the standout candidate for this position, from several very strong candidates who applied for the role. His credentials are very strong, as shown in the various roles he has held with us.
"During his recent role as acting technical director David has used his experience, knowledge and ability in supporting both Graham Potter and the men's first-team, as we secured a record top-flight finish, and Hope Powell and the women's first-team."
Brighton have enjoyed a lot of success on TransferRoom under Ashworth and Weir, with five deals done on the platform in summer 2021.
