The Irish Times has announced three senior appointments.

Brian Patterson has been appointed chairman of The Irish Times Ltd, following the retirement of Don Reid this week.

Mr Patterson is chairman of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and the National Competitiveness Council.

He is also a director of Waterford Wedgwood plc and a member of the board of the National College of Ireland.

Michael Austen has been appointed deputy managing director of The Irish Times Ltd.

Mr Austen joined the company in 1995, and in his new role will co-ordinate the restructuring of the company across all departments.

He will also retain responsibility for human resources and take on additional board responsibility for distribution, circulation, marketing and promotions.

Alex Burns has been appointed a director of The Irish Times Ltd with effect from May 1.

He is currently a senior partner in the business advisory firm KPMG and will be retiring from the company at the end of April.

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