Independent News & Media have announced that it is splitting the chairmanship and chief executive roles currently held by Sir Anthony O'Reilly.
Sir Anthony (66) said the chairmanship and CEO roles he has held for years were to be split to conform with European corporate governance guidelines.
His son Gavin (36) currently chief operating officer of the Irish-based global media group, has been tipped to take over as CEO.
But company officials and analysts have said it is too soon to say how the positions will be filled.
Independent News and Media has a market capitalisation of just over 1.1 billion euros and major holdings in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Britain.
