Minister for Transport and Waterford TD Martin Cullen has paid tribute to the retiring Waterford Wedgewood chief executive Redmond O'Donoghue.
Mr O'Donoghue's retirement was announced yesterday; he will stay on as a non-executive director and special consultant to chairman of the company.
He will be replaced by group chief operating officer Peter Cameron who takes up his position on September 1st.
"Redmond has made an immense contribution to Waterford Wedgwood and to Waterford. His professionalism, vision and inclusive style of management cemented the Waterford brand across the globe," Mr Cullen said.
The Minister acknowledged the difficulties during Mr O'Donoghue's five-years at the helm of a company operating in a declining market for its high-end giftware.
A rationalisation plan for the company was announced earlier this year that will see nearly 500 jobs go in Co Waterford and the closure of it Dungarvan plant. Around 1,800 jobs will go worldwide. Sales for 2004 were down 12.6 per cent.
"He recognised and responded to a changing market by pioneering and broadening the Waterford Wedgwood range, teaming up with international designers and in doing so, securing new markets in new countries for the company," the Minister said.