Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) has appointed Malcolm Byrne as its new director.

Byrne is a law graduate and previously held the positions of Press and Research Officer at the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland. He has broad experience of working with member and voluntary-based organisations.

He is a former vice president of the National Youth Council of Ireland and a member of the National Council for Education Awards.

SPI Chairperson Joan Egan said, "He has a track record of strong management capabilities and of dealing with member-based organisations. He will add immensely to our collective experience."

Byrne joins on March 15.

SPI (formerly known as Film Makers Ireland) is the representative body for over 225 independent film and television production companies in Ireland.