Florsheim's exit has prompted Sky to hand brand marketing duties to its communications director Matthew Anderson in just one of several executive changes.
In the long term, the most significant move may be Mike Darcey's promotion to chief operating officer from group commercial and strategy director, leaving him well positioned to succeed chief executive James Murdoch.
The chief operating officer post was last occupied by Richard Freudenstein, who left in August to return to his native Australia. At the time, Murdoch divided Freudenstein's duties between Dawn Airey, managing director of Sky Networks, Florsheim and Darcey.
In the short term, Anderson's assumption of the brand marketing role is a significant twist in the battle between WPP and WCRS to land Sky's £75m advertising account.
Sky also needed to fill a second role left vacant by Florsheim's departure, that of managing director of its customer group, which covers its marketing, product development and customer service teams. It has done so by promoting Brian Sullivan, formerly director of product strategy and management.
The company has also hired from outside to fill the new role of chief technology officer, which brings together its IT, customer technology, network infrastructure and broadcast platform teams. Didier Lebrat, currently the chief technology officer of Vodafone Italy, is to join in December.
Murdoch paid tribute to Florsheim's 12-year contribution to the business.
He said: "Jon has played a significant role in the growth of Sky's customer base and the strength of its brand. He is a valued colleague and I would like to thank him personally for the fundamental contribution that he has made to Sky's success."
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