Vincent Crowley, the chief executive of Independent News & Media who announced his resignation in February 2014, is working as a consultant with the media company until the end of this year.

Mr Crowley, a veteran media executive, officially left the company in May after a quarter of a century’s service.

INM said in a stock exchange announcement at the time that a sub-committee of the board, comprising chairman Leslie Buckley and non-executive directors Triona Mullane, Alan Marshall and Terry Buckley, would run the company until new chief executive Robert Pitt arrived.

INM said yesterday:“Vincent Crowley is working with INM in relation to the hand-over to the new CEO, as well as some additional work in relation to his non executive director position in APN. It is expected that this activity will continue to the end of the current year.”

Yesterday it emerged that Declan Carlyle, managing director of the Irish operation of INM, has had his responsibilities changed as the company continues to "transition" towards new structures. He joined the company in 1976.

Last month Mr Crowley was also made chairman of the National Newspapers of Ireland.