End of an era as Mick Guinee bows out as CEO  of Shannon-based Ei Electronics

A new era has begun at Shannon-based Ei Electronics following the departure of Mick Guinee who has been CEO for more than 40 years.

Ahead of his formal departure on Monday, management and staff of the 1,100 strong Shannon workforce hosted a reception to pay tribute to Mick Guinee for his vision, leadership and support over the last four decades.

Amid applause and cheers from staff lining the corridors of the facility where General Electric established the original Ei Company in 1963, Mick made his way to a reception attended by management and staff.  

In his address Mr Guinee paid tribute to the generations who have played a role in the success of Ei down through the decades.

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He particularly noted the support of fellow Founders Jim Duignan and Dr. Mike Byrne, who along with him secured the management buyout of the EI Company from General Electric in 1988 – giving birth to Ei Electronics as we know it today.  

Mick Guinee was presented with a Cast Bronze Replica of the iconic letter he wrote to the Ei Company Staff in 1988 formally advising them of the Management Buy Out from GE and his confidence that ’together the team could build a successful indigenous Irish-Owned Company, trading on International Markets’.  

This vision, during what was a very challenging period of recession and emigration in 1980s Ireland later proved prophetic. Today, Ei is an exemplar Irish manufacturing and exporting Irish Company, a global leader in its field with turnover of €425 million in 2024.

One of the largest employers in the Mid-West the Company continues to buck the trend on a world stage, and has built a reputation throughout the region for giving back to the communities and people who have contributed to making it the success it is today.    

Mick Guinee formally handed over the reins, this Tuesday, to Leo Clancy, former CEO of Enterprise Ireland and Head of Technology with the IDA.  

The former CEO will still remain actively involved in the strategic future and direction of the business in his role as Board Chairman.