STATE ENERGY company, the ESB, is facing a number of management changes following the news that two executives are leaving the organisation.

Group finance director, Bernard Byrne, is leaving to become chief financial officer of AIB, the Republic’s biggest bank in May.

The company has also announced that Michael McNicholas, director of ESB Energy International, which includes the electricity generating businesses, is joining an un-named private sector operator.

Pat Doherty will take over from Mr McNicholas, while Luke Shinnors, will take charge of the networks division on an interim basis, while maintaining responsibility for human resources.

Mr Byrne’s job and the networks job will be advertised externally in the coming weeks.

Mr McNicholas has been with the ESB since 1982, he has held senior posts in its power generation, networks and supply businesses during his time there.

The State company appointed him as an executive director in 2002. He is a qualified civil engineer and a director of the company’s employee share option scheme.

ESB chief executive, Padraig McManus, yesterday thanked both Mr McNicholas and Mr Byrne for their commitment to the company. “They are highly respected in ESB and I thank them both for their immense contribution and the exacting standards they brought to all aspects of their work in the very challenging and changing times for the energy industry,” he said.