*Mick Guinee. Photograph: Alan Place
FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO of Ei Electronics, Mick Guinee has been honoured with an honorary doctorate of engineering by the University of Limerick.
In recognition of his immense legacy as an engineer, employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist in the Mid-West region, Mick was awarded the honorary doctorate of UL.
Under his leadership of over 35 years Ei Electronics has become one of Ireland’s largest and most successful indigenous manufacturing and exporting companies with a turnover of €425 million in 2024.
One of the largest employers in the Mid-West, Ei continues to buck the trend and has built a reputation for delivering market-leading innovations on a world stage. It is estimated that since its inception, over 17,000 people have worked at the Shannon based organisation.
As well as being an outstanding supporter of engineering and economic growth in the Mid-West, Mick developed a unique reputation for giving back to the community. He has made significant contributions to education, sport, arts and culture, health and welfare, and communities across the region.
He set up the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation to support his philanthropic pursuits into the future. He established the Ei Women in Engineering Scholarship at University of Limerick in 2019 and Ei’s graduate programme supports UL’s cooperative education programme as well as the recruitment of many UL engineering and science graduates annually.
Speaking from the ceremony in Plassey House on Monday afternoon, UL’s Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins said, “Michael Guinee’s work in engineering, sustainability, business and community development has been recognised on multiple occasions by both Ennis and Limerick chambers of commerce and today, it is fitting that University of Limerick recognises and honours his immense legacy. Michael’s extraordinary commitment to maintaining manufacturing in Shannon, his tenacious support of his dedicated staff and his ability to innovate at scale are just some of the many reasons we celebrate him. Today’s honorary conferring is a recognition of the transformative role that industry leaders like Michael play in shaping Ireland’s future, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to honour those who lead with purpose and principle”.
Mallow native Mick graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from UCC, and went on to complete a Masters in Industrial Engineering at University College Dublin. In December, he was honoured with an Alumni Achievement Award from his Alma Mater, UCC.
He worked for a short time with the ESB before moving to General Electric to work for ECCO, a GE company in Dundalk. He moved to Shannon in 1981 and two years later, he was appointed Managing Director of GE subsidiary Ei Company. He led a successful MBO of that business from GE in 1988 and under his stewardship, the Company grew to employ 1,250 worldwide, with a turnover of over €400 million. He stepped down from Ei at the end of March.
