PROFILE: After missing out on the top job two years ago, Brian Goggin seems to be a popular choice as Michael Soden's replacement, writes Barry O'Keeffe

Brian Goggin's appointment as group chief executive of Bank of Ireland this week has come as no surprise. The only surprise was that he missed out to Mr Michael Soden two years ago.

Mr Soden's resignation last weekend, following revelations that he had been viewing material of an "adult nature", set in train a set of circumstances that very quickly ended in Mr Goggin's appointment.

It is understood that at least three candidates were interviewed for the top job, which last year was worth around €1.5 million in total remuneration.

Candidates included Mr Des Crowley (44), who has responsibility for all retail operations at the bank. Sources said yesterday that, although well-regarded, he did not have Mr Goggin's breadth of experience but felt he could succeed Mr Goggin when he retires.

Mr Goggin is very highly thought of in banking circles, both by colleagues and friends. He is variously described as very competent and very courteous.

"He is very affable and has great common sense," said one banking source.

The source said that, if one of Mr Goggin's subordinates had been caught in Mr Soden's predicament, Mr Goggin would have taken him or her aside, admonished them and said "do it at home, but not in the office".

Mr Goggin would not have sought or accepted the individual's resignation, despite the code of conduct the bank has relating to adult sites and the internet, according to the source.

"Brian is quite unassuming, he is not arrogant," said the source, adding that he had a lot of support from within the bank.

Mr Goggin (52) has worked in the bank since 1969. He takes up his position having recently headed Bank of Ireland Asset Management Services (BIAM). This arm has a huge global business. The job involved considerable travel to the US, Australia and Asia.

Mr Goggin helped to set up a corporate banking division in Bank of Ireland in the 1970s. He worked in the US in the bank's Fifth Avenue branch for about six years and also worked in credit and mortgages in Britain, where he spent about five years.

He rose rapidly through the ranks on his return to Ireland, working in retail banking and other areas.

"He has a good sense of humour and treats people with respect," says one Bank of Ireland employee.

A former colleague says Mr Goggin is driven and very focused. "He works through people to achieve targets and has an infectious personality."

Sources say that, despite the disappointment of losing out to Mr Soden two years ago, Mr Goggin continued working hard. "No doubt there was an element of disappointment but he knuckled down and got on with the job," says a friend. "He was really enjoying BIAM when this fantastic opportunity came along."

Another contemporary says that he is seen as very safe, dull almost. "He is every regulator's - and indeed some investors' - dream," says the source, adding this is not necessarily bad given the current concern about the culture of banks.

"He is conservative, he will not be doing very big deals," says the source. "However, he is very confident and will do a really solid job."

A past president of the Institute of Bankers, Mr Goggin trained as a chartered accountant. He also holds an MSc in business administration from Trinity College, Dublin.

Married with a grown-up family of two daughters and one son, he lives in Foxrock, Dublin and his hobby is golf. It's a safe bet that his golf handicap will rise in the next few years.