The Tánaiste has appointed Mr Liam Downey as chairperson of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE will officially assume responsibility for the running of the State's health services from January 1 st.
However, the body yesterday announced new 'transition' arrangements which mean the chief executives of the health boards will continue to manage the services for several months.
Mr Kevin Kelly, the previous chairman of the HSE, was appointed interim chief executive of the body after Prof Aidan Halligan decided not to take up the post.
Mr Downey, who served as a member of the interim HSE since its establishment, is a former chief executive of Becton Dickinson Ireland, a medical technology company.
He was president of the Federation of Irish Employers and a trustee, and member, of the national executive council of IBEC.
Mr. Downey is also a former chairman of the Irish Medical Devices Association and is a member of the Labour Relations Commission.
Professor Patrick Wall was appointed acting health advisor to the HSE.
Mr Kevin Kelly said: "We are very pleased to have someone of the calibre of Patrick Wall available to us as we prepare for operation in 2005. His expertise and experience will be invaluable in shaping the structure of the Health Service Executive to ensure the best possible service level for patients and clients and the most efficient working environment for health professionals throughout the country."