The Daily Star Ireland
John Mullins, a leading figure in Ireland’s business and energy sectors, has passed away at the age of 57. His career spanned multiple decades and industries, marked by a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and public service.
Most recently, Mr. Mullins served as Executive Chairman of Amarenco, a global renewable energy company that he co-founded with Alain Desvigne. The company operates solar PV projects across Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. In a statement, Amarenco praised his dedication to climate action and his enduring influence on the company’s values and direction, describing him as a driving force behind its growth until the end of 2024.
Before his role at Amarenco, Mullins was Chief Executive Officer of Bord Gáis Energy from 2007 to 2012. Under his leadership, the company diversified its energy portfolio by expanding into the electricity market and investing significantly in renewable and traditional generation assets. His earlier career included senior roles with the ESB, ESB International, PwC in the UK, and infrastructure investment group NTR.
Mullins’s contributions extended far beyond the business world. He held the position of Chairman of the Port of Cork Company from 2013 to 2021, and served on several high-profile boards, including the Tyndall National Institute, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and Wisetek Solutions. As a Fellow of Engineers Ireland and the Irish Academy of Engineering, he was widely recognized for his expertise and thought leadership.
Academically, Mullins held undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, as well as an MBA from University College Dublin’s Smurfit Business School. His work in the renewable energy space earned him international accolades, including France’s prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2015 for his role in developing the French solar market.
Political Engagement and Personal Impact
A passionate supporter of Fine Gael, Mullins was active in politics over the years. In 1994, he narrowly missed out on a nomination to run in Cork North-Central by a single vote. Most recently, he ran for the European Parliament in Ireland South, securing nearly 40,000 votes in a closely watched campaign.
Tánaiste Simon Harris paid tribute to Mullins, calling him a decent, intelligent, and witty man who was deeply committed to his community and country. Harris described canvassing with Mullins as an honor and said his passing was a significant loss to both politics and public life.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments, recalling Mullins as a warm and engaging individual who made lasting contributions to Ireland’s public and business spheres. He highlighted Mullins’s strategic mind and active participation in election events, noting that his influence stretched far beyond Cork.
Remembered for Passion, Innovation, and Community Spirit
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy also honored Mullins’s legacy, describing him as a respected business leader and entrepreneur who brought vision and energy to every role he undertook. From leading Bord Gáis and Amarenco to championing local economic development through the Cork Chamber of Commerce, Mullins consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to his native region.
McCoy emphasized Mullins’s strong ties to Cork and his dedication to building a thriving business ecosystem in Munster. His recent address to Ibec members during his European campaign was remembered as a reflection of both his values and ambitions.
John Mullins leaves behind his wife Siobhan and their two children. His passing is mourned by colleagues, political allies, and community leaders across Ireland and beyond.
