The outgoing chief executive of the IDA, Martin Shanahan, is to join consulting firm Grant Thornton as a partner.
It follows the IDA announcement yesterday that Mr Shanahan had tendered his resignation from the agency and would begin a period of garden leave from today.
Earlier this year Mr Shanahan said he planned to step down from his role at the inward investment body early next year after eight years leading it.
In a statement, Grant Thornton said Mr Shanahan would head up its industry and foreign direct investment activities.
He is not expected to begin his new role until next year.
"Martin is a highly experienced, senior leader who brings huge value to Grant Thornton," said Michael McAteer, managing partner of Grant Thornton.
"He has led two Government agencies at CEO level and has been integrally involved in both the development and execution of industrial policy for Ireland."
"Martin also has significant international experience, operating at the most senior levels of business."
Prior to becoming IDA chief executive, Mr Shanahan was CEO of Forfás. He also previously worked with Failte Ireland.
In his IDA role Mr Shanahan oversaw significant growth in foreign direct investment here and led the agency during a period of record job creation in the multinational sector.
"I look forward to being part of this entrepreneurial team, to help realise Grant Thornton's ambition to be the international advisor of choice for FDI and the first port of call for companies coming to and operating in Ireland," said Mr Shanahan.
"Professional Services are changing, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to ensure that Grant Thornton leads that change and leverages its immense capability for the benefit of our clients."
Mary Buckley, the current executive director of the IDA, has been appointed interim CEO while a search takes place for a successor for Mr Shanahan.
That process, which will include an international search, is to begin immediately.
