Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has appointed Smurfit Kappa chief executive Gary McGann to its board.

Mr McGann will today join Paddy Power as an independent non-executive director and as a member of the audit committee.

Nigel Northridge, chairman of Paddy Power, said: " The depth of skills and experience he has acquired leading large international businesses will be of considerable value as Paddy Power continues to develop and grow."

Mr McGann became CEO of Smurfit Kapp in 2002, having joined the paper and packaging group as chief financial officer in 1998. Prior to this, he was CEO of Aer Lingus and CEO of Gilbeys of Ireland. He currently holds several other board positions, including chairman of Aon Ireland and is a non-executive director of Green REIT plc.