Independent News & Media PLC (INM) has announced Michael Doorly as a director and CEO of the company.

Mr Doorly takes over the new role as and from Wednesday.

He has been with INM for over 20 years, where he has held a number of senior executive roles.

Before joining the company, he worked in Technicon Ireland Limited (now Bayer Diagnostics) and KPMG.

A graduate of UCD, he is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Director.

He was previously announced as the interim group CEO on October 13th.

INM Chairman, Leslie Buckley said: "On behalf of the board, I wish Michael every success in his new role and very much look forward to working with him in driving the business forward."

In other appointments, Dr Len O'Hagan has become a senior independent director and Mary Gallagher has been appointed as company secretary.

INM owns several media brands - including the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent, The Herald, Sunday World, Belfast Telegraph and The Star.