The Financial Regulator has announced that Mr Patrick Neary has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive.
Neary will take up the position of Chief Executive on February 1st next when Liam O'Reilly retires from the post. He is currently Prudential Director of the Financial Regulator.
"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick Neary to this crucial post," said Chairman of the Financial Regulator, Brian Patterson. "He has extensive experience across the full range of the financial regulatory spectrum."
"As a member of our top management team he has played a central role in the shape and direction the Financial Regulator has taken since its establishment in 2003.
"Pat is ideally suited to take the Financial Regulator through the next phase of its development."
The selection panel comprised non-executive members of the Authority and international regulatory expert, Kaarlo Jännäri, Director General of the Finnish Financial Supervision Authority.
Patrick Neary joined the Financial Regulator in 2003 and his responsibilities included the protection of consumers' deposits, funds and policies.
He was previously Head of Securities and Exchanges Supervision and Deputy Head of Banking Supervision in the Central Bank, where he began his career in 1971.
He is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA).