One of the most senior managers in RTÉ radio, Eithne Hand, has decided not to renew her contract as head of RTÉ Radio 1, the station announced yesterday.
Ms Hand is taking a one-year sabbatical and plans to return to RTÉ in 2007. Her contract expires in January 2006.
RTÉ said yesterday she wanted to move on to other things. The station said the decision was taken by Ms Hand and an advertisement for her replacement would be placed in the national newspapers this week.
Ms Hand has worked at the station for many years, spending much of her career in production and research areas. She has been associated with many current affairs and arts shows over the last 10 years at the station.
Often credited with modernising the image and sound of RTÉ Radio 1, Ms Hand was involved in some major changes. One of the most controversial was the departure of Marian Finucane from weekday prime time schedules.
The former 2FM broadcaster Ryan Tubridy is now presenting a programme in the same timeslot.
While newspapers have speculated for some time about the position of other broadcasters, Ms Hand and her colleague, Adrian Moynes, managing director of RTÉ radio, have always favoured incremental change to RTÉ Radio 1's sound and profile. Despite the changes made, the station's ratings have been falling, although RTÉ argues this is caused by greater competition in the market place and the phenomenal growth of local radio.
Mr Moynes said yesterday Ms Hand had made an inspiring contribution to RTÉ radio over the past three years.
"It's been a privilege to work with her, and I want to thank her for her commitment to making changes that are key to the future of the service."
Ms Hand said: "I have very much enjoyed my time as head of RTÉ Radio 1, a position I undertook on the basis of it being a three-year commitment. RTÉ Radio 1 is a remarkable station with a staff of talented and creative people with whom I have enjoyed working. I'm looking forward to the coming year as another new adventure."