Mr Michael Duffy, chief executive of Bord Bia, has been appointed as chief executive of the RDS. His appointment follows Mr Shane Cleary's retirement from the job.

Mr Duffy has led Bord Bia since its establishment in 1994. He previously worked in the IDA. He joins the RDS as it seeks planning approval for a major redevelopment of its facilities. It has drawn up plans for a €100 million redevelopment programme aimed at significant additional revenue for its foundation activities and improving its existing facilities at Ballsbridge.

The project has met opposition from some local residents and environmental lobbyists.

The RDS currently has annual income approaching €10 million and has more than 5,600 members.

Mr Duffy is a physics graduate of University College Dublin and has undertaken postgraduate study in management at Insead Business School in France. The RDS position was publicly advertised and filled after a competitive interview process.