Cork business community in shock following death of John Mullins

The well-known businessman and politician held top roles in Bord Gáis, the Port of Cork and Amarenco, the renewable energy giant he co-founded in 2013

The businessman and Fine Gael politician John Mullins has died aged 57.

The Cork business community is in shock following the death of one of the city's most well-known businessmen, John Mullins.

Mr Mullins, who, throughout his life led Bord Gáis, the Port of Cork and Amarenco, has died at the age of 57, the Irish Examiner reported on Monday. 

Reacting to the news Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, said John was more than a President at Cork Chamber – he was a true pillar of the wider business community. 

"His contribution enriched the very fabric of our region," he said. 

"John 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."

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."

"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," Mr Healy said.

Danny McCoy, Chief Executive of IBEC said John was a highly respected entrepreneur and businessman.

"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," Mr McCoy said.

A graduate of University College Cork (UCC), Mr Mullins studied engineering before completing a master's degree in electrical and electronic engineering in 1993.

In 1995, he went on to get an MBA in Corporate Finance from University College Dublin.

The Bishopstown man began his working life in PwC before entering the energy industry, a sector he would later leave a significant mark on through the establishment of renewable giant Amarenco.

Between 2000 and 2007, Mr Mullins worked in ESB International before becoming the chief executive officer of Bioverda, formerly Irish Power Systems, where he and his team went on to establish the company's bioenergy business across the US and Europe.

In 2007, Mr Mullins became the CEO of Bord Gáis, which, under his leadership, transitioned from a gas provider to a full-service water and energy supplier. Mr Mullins remained CEO of Bord Gáis until the end of 2012.

Between 2011 and 2013, he served as President of Cork Chamber. His tenure saw the commencement of the Cork Chamber annual Dublin dinner, which has continued and is today a key event in the business calendar.

In early 2013, Mr Mullins became chairman of the Port of Cork, serving two terms in the role. His tenure saw significant change in the company, including its relocation of the port's operations from the city docks and Tivoli to new facilities in Ringaskiddy.

Under his leadership, the company also saw continued expansion in the cruise liner industry, with the fallout from Brexit also leading to increased haulier traffic from Cork during his time as chairman. 

In tandem with his role at the Port of Cork, Mr Mullins also served as chairman of the Irish Ports Association, a position he held for two years from 2015 to 2017.

In a statement, the Port of Cork said: "We are deeply saddened today to hear of the passing of our former chairperson, John Mullins.

"John led the Port of Cork Company Board of Directors with dedication and distinction from 2013 to 2021 where he played a key role in the development of our port facilities, including the construction of the Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy. A legacy that will serve Cork and the southern region for decades to come."

In 2018, Amarenco, the renewable energy company Mr Mullins co-founded in 2013 alongside Alain Desvigne, merged with Méthode Carré, a French design office and project management company.

Serving as CEO of the company throughout the last decade of his life, Mr Mullins saw Amarenco's turnover grow to more than €100m and in 2023, the company secured a €300m deal which would go on to fund projects expanding solar, energy storage and agri-pv infrastructures.

Nowadays, Amarenco has around 240 employees, with renewable investments in 14 countries.

In a statement, Amarenco described him as a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate climate protection advocate.

"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. Our business is stronger because of him and we remain fully committed to ensuring our continued success with the same passion and dedication," the company said.

Throughout his life, Mr Mullins also served as President of Cork Chamber, founding chairman of Irish charity for bereaved parents Anamcara, board member of the Tyndall National Institute and a director at Wistek.

Alongside his many professional accolades, Mr Mullins had a long-standing association with Fine Gael and in 2024, was chosen as the party's candidate for Ireland South in the European elections, having been selected to run in place of the retiring Deirdre Clune.