Mercer, the benefit and human resource consultants, has announced the appointment of Mr Paul O'Flaherty as chief executive, effective from July 1st. Mr O'Flaherty, who will take over from Mr Jim Kelly who is retiring at the end of the year, joined the firm in 1980 and is currently responsible for its investment consulting administration, client management practices and IT/IS function. He is immediate past chairman of the Irish Association of Pension Funds. Mr Jim Brophy has been appointed deputy chief executive.