Rooney replaces previous FAI chief Brendan Mention (right)

The Football Association of Ireland has appointed Fran Rooney as its new chief executive.

Businessman Rooney, who previously managed Ireland's women's football team, succeeds Brendan Menton who stood down from his position as general-secretary in November.

Menton resigned following criticism of the body in a report which examined the country's World Cup Finals.

The independent Genesis inquiry largely endorsed the criticisms made by former captain Roy Keane.

The FAI will hope that businessman Rooney can steer the Irish governing body through calmer waters than has been the case in recent times.

The Genesis report detailed chaotic organisation within the FAI.

I see my role as providing leadership through a period of significant change which lies ahead Fran Rooney

This came to a head during the Republic's pre-World Cup training camp in Saipan when Keane was sent home after a blazing row with then manager Mick McCarthy.

Rooney, who will take up his appointment in June, is a chartered accountant with over 20 years business experience principally in the financial and information technology sectors.

He is currently chairman of a number of companies and was previously president and CEO of Baltimore Technologies, which he developed from start-up to a world leader in the e-security sector.

In addition to managing the Republic women's team, Rooney also served as national director of coaching for women's football in Ireland.

Rooney said he was looking forward to joining the association at such an important time.

"I see my role as providing the leadership for the FAI and the football community across the country through the period of significant change which lies ahead", he said.