Lochlann Quinn facts for kids

Lochlann Quinn, born in 1940, is a well-known Irish businessman and someone who gives a lot to good causes (a philanthropist). He has been involved in many important companies and organizations in Ireland.

Education and Awards

Lochlann Quinn attended Blackrock College, a well-known school in Ireland. He then studied at University College Dublin (UCD), where he earned a degree in Commerce in 1962. By 1966, he became a qualified Chartered Accountant, which means he is an expert in managing money for businesses.

Quinn has been a very generous supporter of the UCD Quinn School of Business, which is named after him. In 2009, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, gave him and Sir Michael Smurfit the UCD Ulysses Medal. This is the highest award the university can give.

Career in Business

Quinn started his career at a company called Arthur Andersen & Co. in London. In 1969, he came back to Dublin to lead their audit team in Ireland until 1980.

In 1980, he joined Glen Dimplex, a small Irish company. He became the deputy chairman and finance director. Glen Dimplex grew into a very large company, selling products worth over a billion dollars each year and employing thousands of people. Quinn was one of the main owners of the company, but he sold his share in 2004.

Quinn also served as a director of Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and was its chairman. He is also a part-owner of The Merrion Hotel in Dublin.

Working at AIB

In 2002, there were some problems with how money was handled at AIB's American branch, AllFirst. Because of this, Lochlann Quinn and the Chief Executive, Michael Buckley, offered to leave their jobs. However, the board of AIB asked them to stay on.

Other Business Ventures

Lochlann Quinn has several other business interests. He co-owns The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, which is a famous luxury hotel. He also owns commercial buildings in Dublin, London, and Brussels. In addition, he owns a vineyard in Bordeaux, France, called Château de Fieuzal, where wine is made.

Since 2008, he has been the chairman of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), which is the main company that provides electricity in Ireland.

Voluntary and Philanthropic Work

Lochlann Quinn is a major supporter of the National Gallery of Ireland, which is a famous art museum. He also used to be the chairman of the National Gallery.

From 1997 to 2003, he was the chairman of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. He is also a member of an advisory board for the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business.

Personal Life

Lochlann Quinn is married to Brenda, and they have six children. He is the brother of Ruairi Quinn, who is also a well-known figure. His first cousin is Feargal Quinn. His son, Oisín Quinn, was a councillor for Dublin City Council and a former Lord Mayor of Dublin.