Irish Life & Permanent announces Bowler replacement to chair group

Irish Life & Permanent has appointed former UK post Office MD Alan Cook as chairman of the group with immediate effect.

He takes over from Gillian Bowler, who announced on December 15 last her intention to retire as chairman and director once a successor had been appointed.

Mr Cook is currently chairman of the UK Highways Agency and a non-executive director of the UK Department of Transport, The Office of Fair Trading and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

He is also a governor of the University of Bedfordshire and chairman of action for ME, the leading UK charity supporting those suffering from ME/CFS.

Mr Cook has indicated his intention to step down from his roles with the UK's Office of Fair Trading and the Financial Ombudsman Service in order to devote sufficient time to his new role.