IES appoints Christine Mullin as first external Chief Executive
Christine Mullin has been appointed chief executive officer at IES, marking the first external CEO appointment in the company's 31-year history.
IES, a Glasgow-headquartered climate technology firm, has contributed to major building energy efficiency projects worldwide, including Heathrow's Terminal 5, MGM Las Vegas, San Francisco, the Dubai Opera House and Brussels Airport. Mullin succeeds IES founder Dr Don McLean, who transitions into the role of non-executive director after leading the firm since its inception.
Mullin brings experience from senior leadership and operational roles in various technology and B2B SaaS companies. Her previous roles include positions at Microsoft UK, Dext, MetaPack, and Bookatable, as well as most recently Chief Operating Officer at Texthelp, a global provider of assistive software for education and corporate sectors. Mullin has also completed the MIT AI and Machine Learning: Leading Business Growth programme, contributing further to her expertise in the technology sector.
IES has, over three decades, supplied technology used in more than 1.5 million buildings globally, supporting decarbonisation efforts and improved energy performance in the built environment.
Leadership transition
"IES has an exceptional reputation for innovation and impact, having enabled the energy-efficient design, retrofit and operation of some of the most well-known buildings and infrastructure projects in the world. In doing so, we have empowered countless architecture, engineering and construction firms, building owners and operators to reduce costs, enhance the occupant experience, and lower the carbon impact of our global built environment."
Mullin continued, "What drew me to IES is the same thing that drives everyone here - a belief in the power of our technology to make a tangible difference by optimising the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure worldwide, helping to enable a truly sustainable planet. With demand for intelligent climate tech solutions only growing globally, this is an important moment for the business. I'm honoured to get the opportunity to build on Don's remarkable legacy, working with the outstanding IES team and our broader network of industry partners to lead IES into its next phase of growth. Together, we can empower more organisations to make confident, data-driven decisions that help decarbonise the built environment at scale."
Mullin's appointment comes following a strategic investment from the Apax Global Impact Fund in 2024, with the aim of accelerating IES's global expansion and its mission to decarbonise buildings.
Founder's perspective
"When I founded IES just over 31 years ago, the conversation around buildings was only beginning to recognise the importance of energy security and environmental impact. Since then, we've seen the climate agenda move to the centre of global policy and business, and I'm proud that IES has played an important role in that transformation."
Dr McLean added, "From pioneering the use of digital technology in building performance to contributing to major global projects, the company has always been driven by innovation and a determination to make a difference. I am so proud of everything that we have achieved so far. But there is still much more to do if we are to meet the pressing challenges our society faces when it comes to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and the role that our buildings play within that."
He said, "While I remain committed to furthering the decarbonisation of our global built environment, now feels the right time to hand over the reins to Christine, whose experience, vision, and drive will help to take IES into its next exciting phase. I look forward to supporting her and the team as IES continues its vital mission."
International outlook
IES technology has been used by architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as well as building owners and operators, to improve cost efficiency, occupant experience and reduce the carbon impact of infrastructure. The company has contributed to some of the world's most iconic buildings over a period marked by increasing focus on energy consumption, environmental impact and the evolution of climate policy worldwide.
The appointment marks a new leadership chapter as IES seeks to expand internationally amid rising demand for climate technology solutions in the built environment, with continued backing from its founder and recent strategic investors.
