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The University of Limerick today (09/06/25)  honoured Michael Guinee, former CEO of Ei Electronics with an honorary Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his immense legacy as an engineer, employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist in the Mid-West region.

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, Michael 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 this 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.’

Michael Guinee is a native of Mallow, County Cork. After graduating from UCC with a Bachelor of Engineering, Michael completed a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering in UCD. 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.

ENDS