Former Police Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson has been appointed to succeed Nuala O'Loan as police ombudsman, it is understood.
Originally from Canada, Mr Hutchinson is a graduate of Carleton University, Ottawa and Queen's University, Belfast.
Before his appointment as oversight commissioner in 2004, he served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for nearly 34 years.
Mr Hutchison is expected to take over from Mrs O'Loan next November.
The role of the oversight commissioner was created as a result of the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland to monitor the implementation of the Patten reforms.
Although totally independent, the commissioner was required to report to parliament through the secretary of state for Northern Ireland three times a year.
The commissioner's role effectively came to an end with the production of his last report in May.
Mr Hutchinson has experience of economic crime, drug enforcement, VIP protection, public order, human resources and organisational change management.
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