Chief executive of Topaz, Eddie O’Brien, is to resign in order to return to an international role and take up a senior position with DCC.

Topaz chairman, Neil O’Leary, has thanked O’Brien for his service with the company and wished him success in his new role: "Together with his colleagues on the senior management team, Eddie made an important contribution in confirming Topaz as the leading fuels and convenience retailer in the country over the past three years," he said.

"We wish him every success in his new role which should play to his strengths in the international arena.”

O’Leary said a selection process for a new chief cxecutive was in train and an announcement would be made in this regard shortly.