ANTHONY DINAN will step down as group managing director of Cork-based media company Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH) at the end of June after 30 years with the business.

Mr Dinan (62) informed staff of his decision yesterday. His retirement is believed to have taken them by surprise.

Tom Murphy, chief executive of the Irish Examiner, has been appointed as interim head of the business and is considered to be a front-runner to be appointed to the post on a full-time basis.

Other candidates considered likely to be in the running are Dan Linehan, head of regional press with the group, and Fiachra O'Riordan, who leads the Sunday Business Postoperation in Dublin.

Mr Dinan joined TCH in 1980 as its financial controller.

He was appointed to the board of the company in 1985 and became its company secretary two years later.

He was also human resources director and became managing director of TCH in 1994.

In a statement, Alan Crosbie, chairman of the TCH board, said: “Anthony served our company for 30 years with commitment and distinction. His impact on the company and on the media industry in Ireland was immense.”

Mr Dinan, who is from Turners Cross in Cork, said he hoped to take up some non-executive positions with other groups and to enjoy more leisure time.

“I have a place in Portugal that I like to go to,” he said, volcanic ash permitting.

“At least I have the time to go by car now if I need to.”

Mr Dinan has just been appointed as chairman of the Cope Foundation in Cork.

When he joined TCH in 1980, it comprised the Irish Examiner, the Evening Echoand the Waterford News Star.

Mr Dinan was instrumental in developing the company to comprise 17 newspaper titles, including the Sunday Business Post, along with interests in five radio stations and an online business.

It recorded turnover of €106 million in 2008.