Businessman and former Bord Gáis chief executive John Mullins has died suddenly after taking ill at his home in east Cork over the weekend.
A native of Blarney Street in Cork city, Mr Mullins, who was in his mid to late 50s, was group chief executive of Bord Gáis for more than five years. He was responsible for the company’s diversification from its core gas business into electricity, water and telecoms.
He set up Amarenco Solar in 2013 to source, structure, finance and asset manage large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants across Europe. The company has built up an installed PV and battery operating portfolio of more than 600MW.
Speaking to The Irish Times in 2019 about his career and the establishment of Amarenco, he said the company raised €5.3 million in the Irish retail market for a 12-megawatt plant in the south of France before moving on to complete 30 such deals.
“I was coming to the end of my contract as chief executive of Bord Gáis and had a choice: get another job or start a company,” he said. “In starting a company, I looked to the solar market as solar PV technology prices were decreasing rapidly and were becoming relevant in a European investment context.”
A graduate of University College Cork and University College Dublin, Mr Mullins also served chairman of the Port of Cork company and a director of Mainline Group and Wisetek. He was also a director of several charities.
A member of Fine Gael, Mr Mullins ran for the party in the Ireland South Constituency in last year’s European elections. He polled 33,281 first preferences but failled to take a seat in the five-seater.
He later sought a nomination to run for Fine Gael in Cork South Central, where the party was bidding to retain the seat held by former tánaiste Simon Coveney, but he failed to get on the ticket. The seat was retained by Jerry Buttimer.
Commenting on the death of Mr Mullins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am deeply saddened at the passing of John Mullins, someone who made such a distinguished contribution to public life, business, sport and politics. John was a wonderfully gregarious character who had a huge impact in Cork and across the country.
“As chief executive of Bord Gáis, John made tremendous strides in the transformation of that organisation, and subsequently guided the growth of the Port of Cork. With Amarenco Solar he was influential in advancing solar power technology in this country and internationally.
“John had a particular interest in sport, with his beloved Bishopstown GAA and as director of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and I often enjoyed great banter with him over sporting rivalries.”
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said: “It was an honour to know John, to soldier with him in politics, to canvass with him and I always found it a joy to be in his company.
“A GAA fan, a charity advocate, John was a true son of Cork. Whether it was through his chairmanship of the Port of Cork, his role as director of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, or his presidency of Cork Chamber of Commerce, his entire career was motivated by a desire to do right by his native city.”
Mr Harris extended his sympathies to Mr Mullins’ wife Siobhán, children Michael and Sarah, and parents Pat and Maureen.
Commenting on Mr Mullins’ death, Amarenco siad: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our chairman, John Mullins. As a co-founder of Amarenco, alongside Alain Desvigne, he was a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate climate protection advocate.”
“John will be greatly missed by all within our business, and our industry, for his leadership and friendship. Our business is stronger because of him and we remain fully committed to ensuring our continued success with the same passion and dedication.”
Danny McCoy, chief executive of the IBEC said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Mullins. Throughout the business community, John was a highly respected entrepreneur and businessman. Through his chairmanship of solar energy firm Amarenco and as CEO of Bord Gáis, he demonstrated excellence in leadership and a passion for innovation.
“John was also deeply committed to the development of Cork and the wider Munster ecosystem. This was evident in his role as president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce and as chairperson of the Port of Cork Board.”
