Activ8 Energies appoints Barry Gavin to chair board

The solar energy solutions provider aims to strengthen its board with Gavin’s senior sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure expertise

Activ8 Solar Energies, Ireland's leading solar provider, has appointed Barry Gavin as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the company’s board.

Barry brings over 25 years' experience in sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure, spanning C-suite executive, Chair and non-executive board roles with organisations including Gaelectric, CODEMA, An Post and FuturEnergy Ireland.

He has extensive experience in corporate governance, strategy and investment, alongside sector expertise spanning the primary emitting sectors: power, heating/cooling, and transport, with experience across residential, commercial and industrial markets. This gives him a broad, cross-sectoral perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with the energy transition.

Barry is also an Adjunct Lecturer at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, where he lectures in Sustainable Finance and Renewable Energy Finance.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, holds an MBA from Dublin City University, has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland to hold Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF) roles as an Independent Non-Executive Director, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Ciaran Marron, CEO and Founder of Activ8 Solar Energies, said: "Barry's experience across sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure is a significant addition to our board. He is a real authority in our sector, with a rare combination of executive and non-executive experience and a deep understanding of governance in regulated environments - all of which will support us well as we continue to grow."

Commenting on his appointment, Barry Gavin said: “This is an exciting time to join Activ8. Over two decades, the team has built a strong position in the Irish solar market, providing a solid platform for the next phase of growth. I'm looking forward to working with Ciaran, the Board and the wider team as the business develops. The energy transition has been a significant part of my executive, board and academic work, and I'm pleased to bring that experience and perspective to Activ8.”

This appointment comes at an exciting time for Activ8, as the company celebrates 20 years in business, having recently launched its all-island funded solar initiative - worth up to €200 million - helping Irish businesses install on-site solar systems without upfront costs through long-term Power Purchase Agreements.