The chief financial officer of food group Greencore is to become the new chief executive of bookmaker Paddy Power.
Patrick Kennedy, who is already a non-executive director at Paddy Power, will join the company as CEO designate in the autumn before taking over from the retiring John O'Reilly in December. Earlier this month it was announced that Mr O'Reilly was stepping down for personal reasons.
Paddy Power chairman Fintan Drury said Mr Kennedy brought 'highly relevant skills, experience and insights as well as great drive and dynamism,' adding that he was also an avid punter.
Greencore chief executive David Dilger said Mr Kennedy had played a significant role in the successful transformation of the group. Greencore will now begin a process to find a successor.
