BORD Iascaigh Mhara's deputy chief executive Mr Pat Keogh has been appointed chief executive in succession to Mr Tony Gannon.

Mr Keogh (46), originally from Co Carlow, has held several middle and senior management positions in the sea fisheries board since he joined it in 1979. He has an MA in economics from University College Dublin and is a member of the European Union's Fishery Advisory Committee.

Chairman of BIM Mr Mark FitzGerald said yesterday Mr Keogh had a "vast knowledge" of the seafish industry, and had clearly demonstrated his competence and leadership skills in developing the aquaculture division over recent years. "In my view, nobody is better equipped than Pat to lead BIM through the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."