Michael McAteer, the former managing partner of financial company Grant Thornton has joined EasyGo, one of Ireland's fastest-growing electric car charging experts.
€30 million in funding
EasyGo received €30 million in funding last year from Aviva, and that money - together with McAteer's expertise - will be put to the company's stated task of rolling out 3,000 DC fast charging points by 2032.
Commenting on the news, Chris Kelly, co-founder and CEO of EasyGo said: "This strategic move by one of Ireland's most prominent business leaders underscores the enormous opportunities, confidence and growth trajectories within the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector, and specifically in EasyGo. Our mission is to decarbonise transport by providing accessible and efficient EV charging solutions across Ireland. We welcome Michael's expertise, experience and insights, as we make a significant leap forward in our expansion plans. By 2032, we will roll out over 3,000 fast DC chargers onto the national charging network while adding over 20,000 commercial AC chargers into apartment buildings, hotels and other key locations."
Focus on sustainability
McAteer added: "I am excited to be part of EasyGo, a company that is playing a pivotal role in delivering a decarbonised transportation future in Ireland. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, EasyGo is well-poised to lead the charge in the EV sector by enhancing infrastructure, network reach and charging options. I look forward to contributing to the company's continued success."
EasyGo also announced the recruitment of David Fitzgerald as Chief Revenue Officer. Fitzgerald has over two decades of experience building and managing high-performing sales platforms across the digital and software sectors for market leaders such as Microsoft and Siemens. His role at EasyGo will be to lead the sales and marketing function for all of the company's B2B and B2C products and services.
Much-needed infrastructure
Fitzgerald will work alongside EasyGo's commercial director and founder Gerry Cash, who said: "We are delighted to add David to our executive suite. With EV adoption rates continuing to grow, there is an urgent need to expand the charging network nationwide. Building on recent investment and the work EasyGo has delivered to date, David's deep industry knowledge will no doubt accelerate the delivery of much-needed infrastructure and technology, helping Ireland meet its 2030 Climate Action Plan targets."
The investment received from Aviva, as well as a major buy-in by Rubicon Capital Advisors, has allowed this expansion at EasyGo, which has added 60 new jobs on foot of the investment influx.
EasyGo's charging network currently provides access to over 4,000 charging points in 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland. The EasyGo app currently has over 60,000 registered subscribers and grew by approximately 2,000 new users each month in 2023.