There's been a shakeup at Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's office.

The mayor has appointed a new chief of staff, promoting one of his top advisors to the spot.

Mark Towhey will replace Ford's acting chief of staff, Earl Provost, who will continue on as director of stakeholder and council relations.

Towhey has spent close to two years as the mayor's director of policy and strategic planning and was a key player in Ford's 2010 election campaign.

The former management consultant says there's a lot he hopes to achieve during what's left of Ford's term.

Ford says Towhey - who starts his new job next week - is a trusted advisor.

(The Canadian Press)