The deputy governor of Maghaberry jail is to become governor of hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre and Women's Prison in April.
Austin Treacy, who previously served as hydebank's governor between July 2007 and June 2010, will take up the post when present governor Paul Norbury retires at the end of March.
Northern Ireland Prison Service director general Sue McAllister thanked Mr Norbury for his work at hydebank.
She said he had worked to develop a secure college for young offenders and better facilities for female prisoners.
Ms McAllister said Mr Treacy was "an experienced governor and will bring energy and focus to his new post". "Austin will be supported at hydebank Wood by a strengthened senior management team who have the skills and experience to ensure we deliver the major reform programme," she said.