Declan Carlyle, managing director of the Irish operation of Independent News & Media, has had his responsibilities changed as the company continues to "transition" towards new structures.

Mr Carlyle, who joined INM in 1976, is one of the most senior executives in the media company, which has seen a number of high-profile exits in the past 12 months, including Vincent Crowley, who was chief executive, and Joe Webb, the former chief executive of INM's Irish arm.

In a statement INM said: “As part of the continuing transition of the company, the role of Declan Carlyle, managing director of the Irish operation of INM, has been changed to enable him to focus on the remaining operational and human resources matters to be transitioned towards the new required structures of the business.”

INM named Robert Pitt, a senior supermarket retailer who has not previously worked in the media sector, as its new chief executive in July.

Mr Carlyle will retain his title in his new role.