Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) chief executive Cathal Marley will switch to the same role at electricity grid company, EirGrid next year.
The State-owned national grid operator has been searching for a chief executive for several months following the departure of previous boss, Mark Foley, last spring.
EirGrid said on Thursday that the board had appointed Mr Marley, current GNI chief executive, to the €300,000 a-year post, which he will take up in April.
The State company runs the systems that transmit electricity from power stations to the network that ultimately brings energy to homes and businesses.
It faces several key challenges, including managing security of electricity supplies as demand continues growing rapidly and preparing to take on ever more quantities of renewable power.
GNI runs the network that ships gas from the Corrib field off the Mayo coast, and a pipeline with Scotland that ties Ireland the North Sea, to power plants, industries and homes around the country.
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Natural gas is a key fuel in Ireland as it is used to generate around half the electricity used here. The country imports much of what it needs through the Scottish link, known as the Moffat interconnector.
Mr Marley became its chief executive in 2020. He previously served as chief financial officer of its parent, Ervia.
He has worked in senior posts in electricity, water and gas supply through his career, the early part of which he spent with accountants EY, working in Dublin and eastern Europe.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Marley acknowledged he was joining EirGrid at a “transformational” time for the company and the wider electricity industry.
“Together, we face a sizeable and exciting challenge,” he added.
Brendan Touhy, EirGrid chairman, predicted that Mr Marley’s experience would enable him to lead the organisation through “unprecedented change”.
Government recently approved a €50,000 boost to the yearly salary for the EirGrid job following representations from outgoing Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.
