North Korea has named a new vice marshal of its army, continuing a reorganization of the country's military leadership.

State media says the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party and the National Defense Commission promoted Hyon Yong Chol to the post.

Little is known about Hyon, who was elevated to the rank of general in September 2010.

His appointment follows the surprise departure of the country's top military figure, Ri Yong Ho, who was a top advisor to leader Kim Jong Un and had led the army since 2009. North Korea said Ri had been removed from all of his posts because of illness.