Former Executive Chairman, Michael Maughan - an appreciation

Former Executive Chairman of Gowan Group, Michael Maughan, passed away on 
Thursday 26 th  March 2026, following a short illness. A stalwart of the Irish Motor 
Industry, Michael was great company around the dinner table, his easy way belying 
the massive drive he brought to his business interests. 
 
Educated at Clongowes and College of Commerce in Rathmines, Michael began his 
brilliant career in Domas advertising at the tender age of 19 in 1957. In 1965, at just 
27 years of age, he acquired Wilson Hartnell, one of the longest established 
communications consultancies in Ireland, growing the business exponentially. 
Michael then bought Bell Advertising in 1976 to service Wilson Hartnell's conflicting 
accounts, and it too blossomed to become a major force in Irish advertising. After a 
number of years at the helm, Michael Maughan agreed a deal with WPP’s Martin 
Sorrell to sell the group to Ogilvy. 
 
Michael joined the Gowan Group board in 1979, holding the position of Executive 
Chairman from 1993 until his retirement in 2020. Michael was instrumental in 
shaping the Group’s direction and driving its growth, leaving a lasting impact on 
both the business and culture. Through his leadership and support to the 
management teams, the family-owned holding company strengthened its 
foundations and expanded its presence over the decades, today directly controlling a 
number of successful trading companies in Ireland across its Gowan Auto, Gowan 
Home and Senator Windows divisions.  
 
A keen golfer, Michael was an early member of Milltown Golf Club.  He was also a 
member of Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, RIAC, Irish 
Georgian Society, National Gallery of Ireland, Institute of Directors in Ireland among 
others.   
 
We remember Michael fondly as a larger-than-life character, with tremendous 
energy, a keen eye for a good deal with an avid interest in business. Charismatic, 
curious, and intelligent, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. 
 
As a member of the Motor Media Association of Ireland, my thoughts and prayers 
are with Gemma Maughan and her daughters Fiona, Maria, Cristiana and Alba at 
this time of sadness. 
 
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 
 
Gowan Group: 
The Gowan Group is a family-owned holding company directly controlling a number 
of successful trading companies in Ireland. Founded in 1969 by the late Con Smith, 
the Group consists of: 
- Gowan Auto is the exclusive importer of 10 automotive brands (Alfa Romeo, 
Citroen, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Honda, Leapmotor, Opel and Peugeot) and 
spare parts in Ireland, based in Citywest.  

- Gowan Home is a leading distributor of global brands across the country’s electrical 
and kitchen retail channels, to include Shark Ninja, Hisense, Whirlpool, NordMende, 
Franke, and Elica.  
- Senator Windows is a market leading window and door manufacturer in Ireland 
offering a full range of energy and security rated windows, doors and conservatories.