The Taoiseach has led tributes to former Bord Gáis CEO John Mullins, who has died aged 57.
Corkman Mullins led Bord Gáis from 2007 to 2012, during which time the State-owned firm established its electricity business and developed renewable energy assets, and was executive chair of solar power developer Amarenco.
During his career, Mullins worked for PwC and ESB, and he established bioenergy business Bioverda.
He also served as president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce, and chair of both the Irish Ports Association and the Port of Cork as well as a director of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Wisetek and a board member of the Tyndall National Institute.
Mullins earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Solar Energy Technology in 1989 and a Master's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1993, both from UCC, and he received his MBA in Corporate Finance from UCD's Smurfit School in 1997.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by Mullins' passing, describing him as 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.
"John fully realised his potential in public service and in business, but he could just as easily have realised his promise in politics with his deep and abiding interest and involvement with Fine Gael. A great strategist, you would see John at all the election counts over the years.
"So many people will be shocked and saddened at John’s passing at such a young age, and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Siobhan, his family and friends."
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said the employers group, too, was deeply saddened by Mullins' death, and that he was a highly respected entrepreneur and businesses.
"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.
"John’s passion for his native Cork was palpable—something many in Ibec will remember him for, including his most recent address to our members during his candidacy in the last European elections. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, and colleagues."
A member of Fine Gael, Mullins ran for the party in the European parliamentary elections last year, winning 33,281 first preference votes in the Ireland South consistency.
"It was with shock and deep sadness that I learned of the passing of John Mullins earlier today," said Tánaiste Simon Harris “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.
"John led a distinguished career including leading Bord Gáis Energy through a period of great transition. John was a businessman and an entrepreneur who was experienced and motivated by ingenuity and reward of enterprise.
"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.
"For Fine Gael, he was a proud friend of so many and a party activist to his core. He was a former president of Young Fine Gael, a party trustee, a director of elections and more recently a European election candidate. The Fine Gael family, especially across Cork, mourns his loss today.
“He was kind, witty, intelligent, fundamentally decent and someone who always wanted to do right by his community and his country. His loss is immense and will be felt deeply by so many. I am especially thinking of his wife Siobhan and his two children Michael and Sarah as well as his parents Pat and Eileen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber, said Mullins was "a natural leader - considered and driven by purpose. His ambition was evident throughout his remarkable career, from his time at Bord Gáis, his role as Chair of the Port of Cork, more recently his success with Amarenco and so much more. In every role, John brought strategic clarity and dedication to progress.
"We are so grateful for everything John gave to Cork and Cork Chamber, in particular through his term as President of Cork Chamber, as well as many other contributions to the business community. His legacy will live on in the people he impacted and the values he championed.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, added: “John was a remarkable person whose warmth, intelligence and drive made a deep and lasting impression on all of us. I had the privilege of working closely with John during his time as President of Cork Chamber from 2011 to 2013, a role he carried out with distinction and passion. He always gave generously of his time and his insight, striving to raise the bar for those around him."
"He had a natural ability to lead, to listen and to inspire. Beyond business, John brought great energy to everything he did. He had a deep love for sport, particularly Cork GAA and a strong belief in civic responsibility."
"John will be so deeply missed, by me personally, by everyone at Cork Chamber and by the many people whose lives he touched through his leadership and friendship. We are all better for having known him, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, wide circle of friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
Photo: John Mullins as Bord Gáis CEO in 2009. (Pic: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)
