Martin Naughton (businessman) facts for kids

Martin Naughton (born May 2, 1939 – died July 3, 2026) was a very successful Irish businessman and engineer. He was also known for his generous spirit, often giving money to good causes. Martin Naughton founded a big company called GlenDimplex. This company makes many electrical appliances that people use in their homes every day. He was a great supporter of Trinity College Dublin, giving a lot of money to the university. Because of his generosity, he received a special honorary doctorate in 1995.

Martin Naughton: An Irish Innovator

Early Life and Learning

Martin Naughton was born on May 2, 1939. He grew up and went to school at De La Salle College Dundalk in Ireland. Later in life, he remembered his school and started a special scholarship program there. This program helped other students get a good education. He also supported other schools and universities, like Trinity College Dublin and the University of Notre Dame. He believed in the power of education.

Building a Global Business

From Small Start to Big Success

In August 1973, Martin Naughton started his own company called Glen Electric. He began with a small factory in Newry, Northern Ireland, and only ten employees. His dream was to create useful electrical products. Just a few years later, in 1977, his company bought Dimplex. Dimplex was a very popular brand for electric heaters in the UK. This big step created the Glen Dimplex Group.

After that, the company continued to grow by buying other businesses. In 1985, they acquired Morphy Richards, a well-known brand for small kitchen appliances. They also bought Blanella, which made electric blankets, and Burco Dean Appliances, which made products for restaurants. Martin Naughton, who was an engineer, helped his company become the largest maker of home heating appliances in the world.

Today, Glen Dimplex has factories in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and North America. The company employs more than 8,000 people and has 22 manufacturing sites. They sell products worth around $1.6 billion every year. Martin Naughton's hard work and vision built this impressive global business.

Helping During Difficult Times

Martin Naughton also played an important role during a period of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles. He worked to help businesses trade across borders and supported them during these challenging times. His efforts helped promote peace and economic growth in the region.

Giving Back: The Naughton Foundation

In 1994, Martin Naughton and his wife, Carmel Naughton, started something very special called the Naughton Foundation. This foundation is a way for them to give back to the community. In 2008, they added a scholarship fund. This fund first helped students in specific areas of Ireland. More recently, it has expanded to offer scholarships to students across the entire island who want to study STEM subjects. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These scholarships help young people pursue their dreams in important fields.

Family, Awards, and Legacy

Martin Naughton was married to Carmel Naughton, and they had three children. They lived in County Meath, Ireland. In 2016, his son, Fergal Naughton, took over as the CEO of GlenDimplex, continuing his father's legacy.

Martin and Carmel Naughton were recognized for their kindness and generosity. In 2016, the Community Foundation for Ireland named them "philanthropists of the year." A philanthropist is someone who gives money and time to help others.

In May 2018, the Business for Peace Foundation gave Martin Naughton a special "Business for Peace Award." This award honored his efforts to show how businesses can help create peace and protect the environment. In November 2018, he also received the "Outstanding Contribution to Business Award" at the Irish Post Awards.

Martin Naughton passed away on July 3, 2026, at the age of 87, while he was traveling in Seattle, Washington. He left behind a remarkable legacy as a businessman, innovator, and generous supporter of education and peace.

Special Recognitions and Honours

Throughout his life, Martin Naughton received many important awards and honours for his achievements:

• In 1995, Trinity College Dublin gave him an honorary doctorate, which is a special academic degree.
• In 2016, he was awarded the French Légion d'Honneur. This is one of France's highest awards for military and civil merits.
• In 2017, Dublin City University also gave him an honorary doctorate.
• In 2025, Pope Francis honored both Martin Naughton and his wife with the Order of St. Gregory the Great. This is a high honor given by the Pope for service to the Church or society.