TIM Higgins has stepped down as chief executive of Tote Ireland and has been replaced by Ross Kierans who moves up from financial controller to the role of general manager.

From Co Kildare, Kierans is a graduate of NUI Galway. He has worked in a number of industries ranging from financial services to audit and assurance. An accountant, he has close to 10 years of service with Tote Ireland and has been financial controller there since June 2016.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "We are delighted to see Ross in the position of general manager of Tote Ireland. Ross has tremendous experience and in his 10 years with Tote Ireland has played an important role in the financial, operational and strategic performance of the company.”

After six years as chief executive of Tote Ireland, Tim Higgins has decided to pursue new opportunities outside of HRI. Kavanagh commented:"I would like to thank Tim sincerely for his time while in his role as chief executive of Tote Ireland, and wish him all the best for the future."