Ms Kelly had been acting chief executive of the IBCB since it was established in mid-2019. Prior to joining the IBCB, Ms Kelly spent over 13 years working in various executive roles in Bank of Ireland. Previously, she worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dublin as well as the European Savings Banks Group and the European Commission in Brussels.

Commenting on the appointment, IBCB chairman Mr Justice John Hedigan said: “We were greatly impressed by the quality of the candidates who applied for the role of IBCB chief executive. It became very clear that the post was much sought after. It was our unanimous view that Marion was the outstanding candidate. I and the board are looking forward to working with Marion in delivering on the IBCB’s objectives of rebuilding trust in the banking sector through demonstrating a change in behaviour and culture.”

Ms Kelly said: “It has been a privilege to have been involved with the IBCB since its inception and I am delighted to be appointed to the role of chief executive. I look forward to continuing my work with the chairman, the board, and all IBCB stakeholders, in particular bank customers and staff. Our extensive work programme is focused on improving culture and behaviour within the Irish banking sector, and aims to achieve fair customer outcomes, to support staff and to regain public trust in the industry.”

Ms Kelly will take up the role in early March 2020. The independent recruitment competition was conducted on the IBCB’s behalf by executive recruitment firm Odgers Berndston, Dublin.