A Legacy of Industry and Philanthropy
Martin Naughton, the founder of the global manufacturing giant Glen Dimplex and a prominent philanthropist, has died at the age of 87. According to a family statement, Mr. Naughton passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Harborview Medical Centre in Seattle, after falling ill while traveling in the United States with his wife, Carmel.
Mr. Naughton’s career was defined by his transformation of Glen Dimplex from a small enterprise with seven employees in 1973 into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of domestic heating appliances. Under his leadership, the company became a cornerstone of the Irish economy, growing to a turnover of approximately €1.5 billion.
Global Impact and Reconciliation
Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Naughton was deeply committed to social and political stability on the island of Ireland. He worked extensively during the years of conflict to foster peace and reconciliation, often hosting business leaders from both sides of the border to encourage dialogue and economic cooperation. For these efforts, he received France’s Légion d’Honneur and the Oslo Business for Peace Prize in 2018.
His philanthropic work, largely conducted through the Naughton Foundation, focused heavily on STEM education. Trinity College Dublin, a long-term partner, noted that his transformational gift in 2018 enabled the construction of the Martin Naughton E3 Learning Foundry. Provost Dr. Linda Doyle described him as an “inspiring and generous man” whose commitment to research and young people would impact generations.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his life, Mr. Naughton received numerous international accolades, including a KBE from the Prince of Wales in 2015 and the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, conferred by Pope Francis. He is survived by his wife, Carmel, and their children, Fiona, Neil, and Fergal. His death marks the close of a significant chapter for the Irish business community, though his influence persists through the Naughton Foundation’s ongoing support for arts, culture, and scientific research.