MS Anne Maher (right) has been appointed chief executive of the Pensions Board. Ms Maher, associate director of corporate business with Irish Life, will replace Mr Gerry Mangan, who is returning to the Department of Social Welfare.

Ms Maher is a council member of the National Economic and Social Council, a member of the Pensions Board and has recently been appointed a member of the Commission on Public Service Pensions.

She is also Irish representative on the European Federation for Retirement Provision and served as chairwoman of the Irish Pension Funds from 1993 to 1995. She will take up the appointment in June.