The head of Rabobank in Ireland is to step down early next year, with Kevin Knightly to take up the role.

Chief executive Rob Hartog will retire in February from the group, which includes Ireland, Rabodirect.ie and ACCBank.

Chairman of Rabobank in Ireland Rutger Schellens announced the new appointment, which will be effective from march 1st.

Mr Knightley was head of corporate and business banking in AIB’s Polish subsidiary, BZWBK, before joining Rabobank in 2008 as banking director.