Thomas Lyons 
Bord Gáis, the Irish energy company, has announced plans to expand its management team in Cork, following the acquisition of €300m in investment capital since the start of the year, with further significant investment planned. The Cork office will serve as a base for the company’s newly-decoupled assets and trading functions, and will be central to overall operations, increasing its workforce from 360 to 420 in the last three years.
Former Bord Gáis CFO John Dalton has been appointed director of trading at the Cork office, and will be joined by COO of Ervia Dennis O’Sullivan, who is set to be assets director. Ervia is a semi-state utilities company which was absorbed by Gas Networks Ireland when its previous owner, Bord Gáis, was sold to a Centrica-led consortium for more than €1bn in 2014.
“We have the investment and backing of Centrica’s board and balance sheet. Today’s announcement ensures our team can deliver on our ambitions,” said Dave Kirwan, managing director of Bord Gáis Energy. These ambitions include developing its energy offerings in residential and commercial segments and increasing the proportion of energy it sources from renewable generation.
Last year, Centrica posted record high annual profits amid an ongoing energy crisis which led to soaring consumer bills. The energy giant, which also owns Whitegate power station and has more than 525,000 Bord Gáis customers in the Republic of Ireland, said earnings tripled to £3.3bn (€3.7bn), up from £948m in the previous year.
The expansion of Bord Gáis’ management team in Cork is a significant move for the company, which has seen a steady increase in its workforce over the past few years. The decision to base its newly-decoupled assets and trading functions in Cork is a strategic one, as the city is central to the company’s overall operations.
John Dalton, who has been appointed director of trading at the Cork office, brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as CFO at Bord Gáis. He will be joined by Dennis O’Sullivan, COO of Ervia, who will serve as assets director. The two appointments are expected to play a key role in the company’s plans to expand its energy offerings in residential and commercial segments.
Bord Gáis Energy’s ambitions also include increasing the proportion of energy it sources from renewable generation, which is in line with the Irish government’s targets for reducing carbon emissions. The company’s investment in renewable energy is expected to help drive down the cost of energy for consumers, while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
The backing of Centrica’s board and balance sheet is a significant advantage for Bord Gáis Energy, as it allows the company to pursue its ambitions with confidence. The energy crisis of recent years has led to soaring consumer bills, and companies like Bord Gáis Energy have a crucial role to play in helping to reduce the cost of energy for consumers. With its expanded management team in Cork, the company is well-positioned to deliver on its ambitions and help drive down the cost of energy for consumers in Ireland.
