DUBLIN, Ireland, Oct. 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) has today announced the resignation of Sir Derek Higgs as a Non-Executive Director, arising from his forthcoming appointment as Chairman of Alliance & Leicester, p.l.c., the UK financial services group. His resignation has immediate effect.
Sir Derek joined the Board of AIB in November 2000, and has served also on the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Commenting on Sir Derek's resignation, AIB Chairman Mr. Dermot Gleeson said: "We congratulate Derek on this significant appointment. We thank him for his excellent services to AIB over the past five years, and we wish him well for the future. AIB has been fortunate to have had the services of a Director of Derek's calibre. He brought to our Board his wide banking and business experience, as well as a deep insight into the UK financial services market, where AIB now has a significant business."
For further information please contact:
Catherine Burke Head of Corporate Relations AIB Group Bankcentre Dublin 4 Tel: +353-1-6600311 ext. 13894 Maurice Tracey Group Investor Relations Manager AIB Group Bankcentre Dublin 4 Tel: +353-1-6600311 ext: 14191