Insurance company FBD has appointed group financial director Andrew Langford as interim chief executive following the sudden death of Philip Fitzsimons at the weekend.
In a statement this morning the insurer said it would look for a successor to Mr Fitzsimons in due course.
The company also extended its sympathy the family of Mr Fitzsimons. Chairman, Michael Berkery, said: "Philip Fitzsimons made an outstanding contribution to the successful development of FBD since joining the company in 1971."
"As chief executive since 2003 he led the company through a period of profitable growth. His wise and considerate counsel along with his energy and passion will be missed by all in the company."
Mr Fitzsimons died in the early hours of yesterday morning and is survived by his wife Paula and their five children.