Enterprise Ireland's chief executive Leo Clancy is to step down from the role next year to take up a new leadership role in the private sector.
Mr Clancy, who has been CEO at Enterprise Ireland for the last four years, is due to leave the state agency in March.
Enterprise Ireland said it will commence a recruitment process immediately to advertise the vacancy and appoint a new CEO.
It is intended that Kevin Sherry, Executive Director and member of the Enterprise Ireland Senior Leadership Team, will be appointed interim CEO from March pending the appointment of a new CEO.
Michael Carey, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland, said that Mr Clancy leaving Enterprise Ireland to pursue a new career opportunity in the private sector.
"This news comes at a time when the agency is in a very strong position, having achieved record results in terms of client jobs and exports, spend in the Irish economy and support for start-ups," he said.
"Leo's contribution to the success of Enterprise Ireland over the past four years has been exceptional and he will be greatly missed. We wish him well in the next phase of his career," he added.
