Mainstream Renewable Power’s co-founder Fintan Whelan announces departure

Fintan Whelan, co-founder of global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power, yesterday announced his resignation after more than seven years with the company. Fintan set up Mainstream in 2008 with Eddie O’Connor. Fintan remains a shareholder in Mainstream, and his responsibility for Corporate Finance will be taken on by Paul Corrigan.

Mainstream’s Chief Executive, Eddie’ O’Connor said:

“On behalf of the Board and the entire team here at Mainstream I would sincerely like to thank Fintan for his significant contribution to the company over the past seven and half years as we have grown to become one of the most successful independent renewable energy companies in the world. Fintan and I set up Mainstream in the midst of a global recession after the sale of Airtricity at the end of 2007. Fintan was very instrumental in the company’s growth and success and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Fintan Whelan commented:

“I am very proud to have played a role in setting up such a pioneering company and have very much enjoyed my time working with a great team of people around the world. However, there are other things I want to do now and I am delighted to hand over the reins to Paul Corrigan with whom I have worked for a number of years. I know he will lead the corporate finance function strongly in support of the Company’s future plans.”

Prior to working in Mainstream Fintan spent eight years as corporate finance manager for Airtricity in a similar role where he raised in excess of €1 billion in project and corporate debt to fund the company’s rapid development and build programme. In January 2008, Airtricity sold its European business to Scottish and Southern Energy and its North American business to E.on in a deal totalling some €1.8bn.

Fintan qualified with a Commerce degree from University College Dublin in 1978. He is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA) and in 1996 received an MBS in Finance from UCD’s Smurfit School.