Brian Geoghegan, the former director of economic affairs at IBEC, is to become chairman of public relations company MRPA Kinman.

The firm was created a year ago through the merger of MRPA Consultants and Kinman Public Relations. It claims to be the third largest Irish owned PR consultancy.

Mr Geoghegan has been a prominent figure in Irish business over the last two decades. He was a central figure in the negotiation of successive national partnership agreements between the Government and the social partners.

Commenting on the appointment, Ray Gordon, managing director of MRPA Kinman said: "Our focus is fixed firmly on the corporate market so we're delighted that Brian, with his vast knowledge of Irish business, has agreed to join us as chairman."