Bank of Ireland has appointed Richie Boucher as its new chief executive to succeed Brian Goggin.
Mr Boucher, who is currently head of the bank's Irish retail division, will take up the position immediately, the bank said.
The bank announced in January that Mr Goggin would retire, but indicated at the time that he would be staying on until the summer.
Mr Boucher has been in his current role since January 2006 and was appointed a director in October of that year. He previously worked with Ulster Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.
In a statement, he said he was conscious of the public's low opinion of banks and the difficult economic conditions. Mr Boucher said he accepted that the bank had 'an uphill battle' to restore the trust and confidence of customers, shareholders and the public. He also accepted that the Government's support for the bank with public money brought it additional responsibility.
