Ireland’s largest energy users trust Energia. Here’s why.

What initially drew you to the energy sector, and how has your perspective evolved over your career? 

I’m coming up on my 20‑year anniversary with Energia, and when I joined in 2006, the market was newly deregulated. It felt like an exciting time to be entering an industry full of opportunity and change. I was looking for an industry that offered ongoing learning, and having worked in sales at Eir, moving into energy felt like the right progression for me.

I started out in Sales Support for Large Energy Users, and those early years shaped so much of how I lead today. I was surrounded by people who were generous with their knowledge, and I learned very quickly that listening — really listening — was one of the most powerful tools anyone can develop. That has stayed with me throughout my career.

As I moved into Key Account Management and later into Commercial Sales Management, I began to understand the impact that strong relationships and clear communication can have, both inside and outside the organisation. Over time, my perspective shifted from focusing on the deal in front of me to understanding the bigger picture, the long‑term ambitions of customers, the pressures they navigate, and the trust they place in us. That shift has shaped my leadership style. I believe in being transparent, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people around me — whether that’s my team or our customers.

 Today, as Head of LEU Sales, I’m proud to lead a highly experienced and committed team. We support some of the largest and most complex energy users in the country across sectors such as Data Centres, Pharmaceuticals, Utility Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Transport, Retail, Agriculture and more. What I enjoy most is creating an environment where people feel empowered to use their expertise, challenge assumptions, and bring forward ideas. I’ve learned that when you trust people and give them space, they rise to it — and often exceed your expectations.

 One area of our work I’m particularly proud of is our long‑standing partnership with Ireland’s public sector. Energia currently supplies most of the Government’s electricity requirements in the Republic of Ireland, including the HSE and wider health sector, Education and Training Boards, Colleges and Universities, Government Departments and Security Services, Local Authorities, and all street lighting nationwide. It’s a significant responsibility and one that reflects the capability, stability and dedication of the team behind it. We have a dedicated Key Account Manager, a responsive support team, and an exceptional billing and admin function that consistently deliver with accuracy and attention to detail. Their commitment has strengthened our relationships with public sector partners and built a level of trust that I am genuinely proud of.

Can you identify what goes into developing an effective partnership between Energia and Large Energy Users? 

For Large Energy Users, effective partnerships are built on understanding, trust, and expertise. It starts with listening and taking the time to understand each customer’s operations, pressures, and long‑term goals. No two businesses are the same, so a consultative approach is essential.

Expertise also plays a big part. The energy landscape is becoming more complex, particularly as sustainability, flexibility, and decarbonisation move to the forefront. Effective partnerships are built on our ability to translate that complexity into practical guidance helping customers navigate regulatory changes, market volatility, or emerging technologies. It’s about being a trusted advisor, not just a supplier.

Trust grows through clear communication and reliability. Customers need a partner who is transparent, responsive, and consistent, particularly in a market as complex as energy. 

And behind every strong partnership is a strong team. Our Key Account Managers, support teams, and billing and admin functions all play a huge part in delivering accuracy, clarity, and a genuinely positive customer experience. When we combine expertise with genuine care and collaboration, the result is a long‑term, trusted partnership that supports both day‑to‑day needs and future ambitions.

What’s your leadership philosophy, and how do you motivate your team to excel in such a competitive environment?

My leadership philosophy has really been shaped by the people I’ve worked with over the last twenty years in Energia. As I moved into more senior roles, I learned that leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or making every decision. It’s about creating an environment where people feel confident to bring their ideas forward. 

Motivation often comes from a sense of purpose. I make it a priority to remind the team of the real impact of their work — from a large industrial customer relying on us for stability, to public‑sector partners we’ve worked with for over 15 years. When the team sees the scale of what they influence, it creates a shared sense of pride. I also try to celebrate the wins, big or small, a well‑handled customer query, or a tricky billing issue resolved — acknowledging these moments matters.

Ultimately, I try to lead in a way that reflects what I appreciated most when I was starting out, honesty, approachability, and consistency. Behind every target or contract, there’s a team of people doing their best work. My role is to make sure they feel supported, trusted, and part of something meaningful. When those pieces are in place, the performance naturally follows.

What emerging trends do you see in the marketplace, and how is Energia positioning itself to lead in these areas?

The energy market is changing at a pace we haven’t seen in decades, and some trends are shaping the direction of travel. The first is the rapid increase in electricity demand, particularly from data centres and the electrification of heat and transport. Forecasts show that Ireland could see demand almost double by 2035, which requires enormous investment in generation, storage and grid capacity. Energia is positioning itself to support this growth through ongoing investment in renewables, flexibility services and customer side technologies that help large users manage consumption more efficiently.

Another trend is the acceleration of decarbonisation. Ireland is targeting 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Customers are increasingly looking for practical pathways to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and that’s driving demand for corporate PPAs, renewable products, biomethane, and more advanced reporting. Energia is well placed here, with a strong renewable portfolio and deep experience helping LEUs and public sector partners navigate compliance, ESG frameworks and long term sustainability strategies.

The market is becoming more complex, but that also creates more opportunity for collaboration. At Energia, we’re focused on making that complexity manageable — through clear guidance, innovative solutions, and the strength of a team that understands how to support customers in both their day to day operations and their long term ambitions.