Airey is to become chief executive of new UK media company Iostar, set up by former Hallmark vice-president of business affairs, Mark Grenside. The new company is said to be launching a range of services, including media advertising, business TV and celebrity management.
Sky said its programming boss, who had recently been linked with other jobs, including the chief executive's role at ITV, would play a key role in deciding a new management structure.
Mike Darcey, chief operating officer, has taken on responsibility for Sky's advertising sales, broadband internet portal, joint ventures, channel distribution agreements and commercial relationships with third-party channels.