The business community is mourning the sudden loss of OHM Group’s CEO, Declan McCourt, who unexpectedly passed away at his residence in Dublin last Friday. At 78 years old, McCourt had led OHM Group for over forty years after joining the automotive distributor in the early 1980s in both a partnering and senior executive role. Known for stocking brands such as Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Skoda, Cupra, and Seat across Ireland, OHM Group also operates the Spirit Motor Group.
Before heading OHM, McCourt had an impressive career spanning various industries and continents. In the 1970s, the distilling giant Seagram employed him as a local director in Rome, later promoting him to marketing director of their European operations. By 1977, the United States claimed him as he undertook an international role within Seagram, subsequently rising to the vice president position.
Soon after, the late 70s saw McCourt returning to his homeland, where he took the role of chief operating officer for the TMG Group, until he made the move to OHM in 1982. For the ensuing 42 years, he guided the company, growing its revenue to exceed €200 million annually.
Educated at UCD, McCourt held degrees in economics and politics, as well as a masters in economics. In addition, he was a qualified barrister-at-law and proudly held an MBA from the distinguished Harvard Business School. His service to the business world extended beyond his roles at OHM, Seagrams, and TMG, including directorships at Ffyfes and Balmoral International Land Holdings.
McCourt’s contribution to his community wasn’t only business-oriented. He was Chairman of the Mater Foundation, the fundraising body for the Mater University Hospital, up until 2017 and was also a part of UCD’s School of Law Development Council. In 2013, UCD bestowed upon him an honorary law degree.
McCourt is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his four children: Conal, Cian, Melissa, and Melanie. The funeral service will take place this Thursday at 11am at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock.