The Irish Bankers' Federation (IBF) has announced that its current director general, Mr Jim Bardon, is to retire next year.
He will be succeeded by Mr Pat Farrell who is currently Head of Marketing and Communications at EBS Building Society. Mr Farrell will take up the role of chief executive of the IBF in early 2004.
Mr Farrell served as general secretary of Fianna Fail from 1991 to 1997.
He was appointed general manager, retail operations, with the EBS in 1997. From 1988 to 1991 he was chief executive of Galvia private hospital in Galway and has served in a number of posts in the health sector in the west.
Mr Donal Forde, president of the IBF, thanked Mr Bardon for his years of service and his commitment to the organisation. He also welcomed Mr Farrell to the role of chief executive and said he brought "a wealth of experience" in both financial services and communication to the role.