One of the north's top bankers Gerry Mallon is leaving Danske Bank to take up a role at its rival Ulster Bank.
Mr Mallon, who has been Danske's CEO since 2008 and was a member of its international leadership teams for business banking and personal banking, will become chief executive of Ulster Bank in the Republic of Ireland, effective from next June.
He will be replaced in the Danske role by the bank's current deputy CEO and managing director of business banking, Kevin Kingston, subject to the regulatory approval process.
Ironically Mr Kingston joined Danske in 2008 from a senior role at Ulster Bank.
Speaking about Mr Mallon's appointment at Ulster Bank, Les Matheson, CEO of RBS personal and business banking, said: "We're delighted to welcome Gerry, who has a significant knowledge of the banking landscape in Ireland which will be invaluable to us as we continue to build a strong and profitable bank that is number one for customer service, trust and advocacy across the UK and Ireland.”
Ulster Bank's chairman Dr Philip Nolan added: “We are confident Ulster Bank's customers, employees and other stakeholders will benefit hugely from Gerry’s experience and leadership as we continue to build a customer-focussed bank in the Republic of Ireland."
Paul Stanley will continue as interim chief executive at Ulster Bank until Mr Mallon officially takes up his position next summer.
Lars Mørch, chairman of Danske Bank UK, expressed his thanks to Gerry Mallon for his "significant contribution" to the bank over the last eight years.
He added: "Danske Bank has built a strong position in the Northern Ireland marketplace and this year has continued its sustained upward growth trajectory.
“Kevin Kingston has been instrumental to that success in terms of securing our position as the market leading bank for business customers. He brings with him a long track record of delivering what is best for customers and a wealth of experience in the banking sector.
“He and his wider management team will now lead the bank on to the next stage in its development journey.”
