Glen Dimplex appoints Fergal Leamy as chief executive

Fergal Naughton, who has held the role for the past five years, will stay on as chairman

Fergal Leamy, left,  chief executive, and Fergal Naughton, executive chairman of Glen Dimplex. Photograph: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography
Fergal Leamy, left, chief executive, and Fergal Naughton, executive chairman of Glen Dimplex. Photograph: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography

Irish heating and electrical goods giant Glen Dimplex has announced the appointment of Fergal Leamy as chief executive with immediate effect.

He will succeed current chief executive and chairman Fergal Naughton who has held the role for the past five years. Mr Naughton, son of Glen Dimplex founder Martin Naughton, will remain involved in Glen Dimplex in his capacity as executive chairman.

Mr Leamy was previously group chief operating officer. He joined the group two years ago as part of a succession plan by Fergal Naughton and the Naughton family “which remains deeply committed to the long-term development and success of Glen Dimplex”.

“I am very pleased that Fergal Leamy will take up the role of CEO at this exciting period for Glen Dimplex as we build on the investment and transformation progress of recent years,” Mr Naughton said.

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“I believe Fergal has the right skills and ambition to ensure our success over the coming years as well as strong personal values that I believe align well with those of our group.

“In my role as executive chairman I look forward to our continued strong collaboration over the coming years and I wish him every continued success in his new role.”

Rich heritage

Mr Leamy said Glen Dimplex was “a wonderful global organisation, with great people and a rich heritage”.

“I believe we have a really exciting future in developing products and finding solutions for our customers as they transition to a more sustainable world,” he said. “I hope to build on the progress made by Fergal and the team over the last few years.

“We will look to pioneer and develop smart heating, energy solutions and appliances that allow our consumers live more sustainable lives in their homes and businesses across more than 50 markets around the globe.”

Mr Leamy was chief executive of the Coillte Group from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that, he worked for Terra Firma, a leading private equity house in London. He began his career at McKinsey & Company before departing to establish and run Greencore’s US operations.

Glen Dimplex employs more than 8,000 staff globally, and has operations in 64 locations across Ireland, the UK, continental Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. It serves millions of customers in more than 50 markets worldwide.

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter