EBS has said that Mr Brian Joyce has been named as chairman designate. He will replace Mr Henry O'Dwyer, who will step down at the upcoming annual meeting.

Mr Joyce, a former managing director of the Irish Dairy Board, is currently chairman of the Mater Private Hospital, CIE and Norish and a director of a number of other Irish companies. He has served on the EBS board since 1989.

Mr O'Dwyer, who is stepping down because he has reached retirement age, has been non-executive chairman since 1993. He previously served as EBS managing director and as executive chairman.