Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, has announced that he will be stepping down from the role after 21 years with the company.
Mr Gibbons was Chief Executive for 14 years of those years.
In a statement, he said leading the team has been a great honour and privilege.
"I started with the company just after 9/11 and tourism has weathered many challenges since then, including Covid-19," Mr Gibbons said.
"As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which gave rise to Tourism Ireland, the time is right for a new challenge.
"I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received over the last 21 years. I wish the staff of Tourism Ireland and the tourism industry well in 2023 and beyond," he said.
Christopher Brooke, Chairman of Tourism Ireland, thanked Mr Gibbons for his leadership and commitment to tourism over the last 21 years.
"Tourism Ireland has been one of the great success stories of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, demonstrating that compromise and goodwill can build a better future for all of us.
"Under Niall's leadership, the island of Ireland's reputation abroad has grown significantly.
"Initiatives like the renowned Global Greening on St Patrick's Day around the world, screen tourism partnerships like Game of Thrones with HBO and Star Wars with Lucasfilm Ltd have put Tourism Ireland at the cutting edge of marketing and branding effectiveness," he said.
Mr Brooke said the board will now progress to an open international competition for a new Chief Executive.
