Obituary: John Mullins
John Mullins has been described by Tánaiste Simon Harris as “a true son of Cork”, after the former Chief Executive of Bord Gáis Energy and Fine Gael activist died aged 57.
Mullins, a native of Blarney Street in Cork city, was group chief executive of Bord Gáis Energy between 2007 and 2012. During this time, Bord Gáis Energy established a significant electricity business and developed considerable renewable and conventional generation assets. Mullins was responsible for the company’s diversification from its core gas business into electricity, water, and telecommunications.
After leaving his role at Bord Gáis Energy, Mullins was the executive chairman of Amarenco, a company which is focused on the development, financing and ownership of solar PV assets in Europe, Carribbean, Middle East, and AsiaPac.
In a statement, the company said: “As a co-founder of Amarenco, alongside Alain Desvigne, he was a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate climate protection advocate.
“John held executive roles within Amarenco until the end of 2024, driving the business forward in the face of many challenges. His dedication, vision, and values have left a lasting mark and will continue to guide our company into the future. John will be greatly missed by all within our business and our industry for his leadership and friendship.”
During his career, Mullins held senior management positions with ESB, ESB International, PricewaterhouseCoopers (UK) and NTR. Mullins also served as Chairman of the Port of Cork Company from 2013 to 2021, and was a director of the Tyndall Institute, Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and Wisetek Solutions Limited.
Mullins was a Fine Gael activist and was the party’s candidate for the European Parliament in the Ireland South constituency in 2024, polling almost 40,000 votes. In 1994, he put his name forward as a Fine Gael general election candidate for Cork North-Central. He fell short of getting on the ballot by a single vote, losing out to Colm Burke who is now a TD in the constituency.
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris described Mullins as “a true son of Cork” who was “kind, witty, intelligent, and fundamentally decent”.
“His loss is immense and will be felt deeply by so many,” the Tánaiste stated.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Mullins as a “wonderfully gregarious character who had a huge impact in Cork and across the country”. The Taoiseach said he “often enjoyed great banter with him over sporting rivalries”.
Martin said: “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.”
Mullins is survived by his wife Siobhán and their two children.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
