Bathroom fittings specialist Qualceram Shires has appointed David Swords as its chief operations officer with immediate effect.
Mr Swords, who joined the company in 1992, previously held the roles of finance director and company secretary. He was appointed to the board in 1997.
John O'Loughlin, Qualceram's CEO, said the group was facing a "challenging period" and Mr Swords will be "a key member of the team which will address those issues".
Qualceram lost €3.4 million before tax in the first six months of 2008 as turnover fell 28 per cent to €36 million. Over the period the operating loss was €76,000, against a profit of €2.4 million in 2007.
In mid-2008 the Irish-based company ended talks with a potential buyer.
Dublin-listed Qualceram has businesses in Ireland and Britain, where it owns Shires, the bathroom and toilet fittings manufacturer.
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