Royal Doulton has decided not to replace Herbert - made redundant at the end of last week - and will share his duties among existing staff.
News of the redundancy came as the firm revealed its plans to cut 250 jobs.
The closure of the Beswick factory in Stoke-on-Trent has been brought forward six months from June 2003.
Marketing director Gary Mylum inherits Herbert's responsibilities on the branding side, including liaison with Royal Doulton's retained consumer PR firm, Shine Communications.
Corporate comms, internal comms and press liaison will be carried out by HR director Sue Woodfield and HR executive Heather Kennedy, together with CEO Wayne Nutbeem.
