Bord Gáis chief’s future uncertain

There is increasing uncertainty over the status of negotiations between Bord Gáis chief executive John Mullins and the semi-state body over his future role with the company.

Mr Mullins’s contract as Bord Gáis CEO expires at the end of this year. However, the two parties have so far failed to reach an agreement that would see Mr Mullins continue in his role.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, Bord Gáis said: “In excess of five months remain of the chief executive’s contract term. Issues concerning the extension of the contract — in the context of the major changes taking place in the company, including the sale of Bord Gáis Energy and the establishment of Irish Water as part of the Bord Gáis Group — are matters for the board and Mr Mullins. The company will not be commenting further on this matter.”

There had been speculation linking Mr Mullins to head up the new Irish Water company, but a source close to Bord Gáis says this was never a realistic prospect.

Dave Kirwan is the managing director of Bord Gáis Energy, John Barry is managing director of Bord Gáis Networks, and both report to Mr Mullins.

Irish Water will be a subsidiary of Bord Gáis. The MD of Irish Water would be on the same level as Mr Barry.

Bord Gáis Energy will be sold as part of the sale of State assets programme.

The Bord Gáis source says it would not make sense for Mr Mullins to give up his role as chief executive of Bord Gáis to then head up a subsidiary of the company.

The negotiations between Mr Mullins and Bord Gáis are focused on his continued role as CEO of the company, said the source.

“The longer these negotiations go on, then the less likely it is that John will sign a new contract. This is a very sensitive time for the company with what is happening with Irish Water and the sale of networks. Something would need to be sorted out sooner rather than later,” says another source close to Bord Gáis.