THERE’S PLENTY of change down the food chain at the country’s banks as the sector undergoes the biggest restructuring in its history.

National Irish Bank has headhunted Dave Keenan, who held the unusual title of director of people, communication and change at AIB subsidiary EBS.

He will become director of human resources and communications at the Danish-owned bank.

Keenan is leaving EBS along with retail director Dara Deering and the building society’s finance director Emer Finnan. The resignations were announced in the days before Christmas.

A 21-year veteran of EBS, Keenan assures us his departure has nothing to do with the run-in with 370 staff over the withdrawal of the annual Christmas bonus and subsequent industrial action with their union, Unite.

Keenan had been seconded to AIB since last September. He must be glad to be leaving given the union will meet again next Wednesday to decide whether to hold another day of industrial action on the bonus issue.

Other job-hopping in and out of the banks’ communications departments has also been going on.

Former AIB press officer Ronan Sheridan has taken up the cudgels at another State-owned agency, the Central Bank.

His role at AIB has been filled by former Irish Examiner business reporter Niamh Hennessy.

Expect many more changes at the banks as AIB identifies the 2,000 roles deemed surplus to requirements and culls the positions later this year.