TLDR: Maurice Regan, a Kerryman and CEO of JT Magen, has been awarded the 2026 Excellence in International Business Award by the Ireland-US Council. Known for constructing the first Apple Store in New York, his company is engaged in notable projects, including a $1bn renovation of a former military base for Netflix. At a gala in Dublin, Regan emphasized the vital US-Ireland ties that support thriving business exchanges.
In a significant highlight for the Irish business community, Maurice Regan, the man behind the first Apple Store in New York, has been awarded the esteemed 2026 Excellence in International Business Award by the Ireland-US Council. As the CEO of JT Magen, a top construction company in the US founded in 1992, Regan’s work is a testament to dedication and cross-continental collaboration. The award was presented by US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh, during the recent Ireland-US Council Midsummer Gala dinner held in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin.
Regan’s company, JT Magen, was responsible for the iconic Apple Soho store built in 2002, an accomplishment that etched Regan’s name in the architectural landscape of New York. The firm is currently working on a transformative $1bn renovation of Fort Monmouth, a former US military base in New Jersey, into a state-of-the-art studio for Netflix. Scheduled for completion by 2028, this project includes 12 soundstages spanning nearly 500,000 square feet—a substantial move in the realm of content production.
In his acceptance speech, Regan expressed gratitude to the Ireland-US Council, highlighting the commitment of his teams in both nations. “The ties that bind the US and Ireland are a tremendous asset to both nations,” he stated, echoing sentiments that resonate deeply within the Irish diaspora. Ambassador Walsh humorously reflected on Regan’s initial aspirations to become an electrician, noting that his choice to pursue construction instead has had a lasting impact on urban skylines across the United States.
But let’s not forget about Regan’s roots in Kerry. His love for the region extends beyond business; he’s a staunch supporter of Kerry GAA and dabbles in horse breeding through his Newtown Anner stud farms located in Kentucky, New York, and Clonmel. It’s heartening to see someone achieving such heights while holding on to their heritage—a true embodiment of modern success.
Honoured alongside Regan were James Coffey of J Coffey Construction and Niall O’Leary of Regeneron, adding their stories to an already impressive narrative of business excellence. Meanwhile, the Ireland-U.S. Council and Irish Arts Review Portraiture Award for 2026 was presented to artist Oliver Murphy, whose work, “Lana,” is part of the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Exhibition—a fascinating reminder of how art and business continue to intertwine.
Interestingly, the ties between Ireland and the US are historical and robust, dating back to JFK’s visit in 1963, which has since laid the groundwork for thriving relationships that fuel economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s clear that while Regan may have taken a slightly unconventional route—pivoting from electrician to construction mogul—his journey reflects the innovative spirit that has come to define Irish entrepreneurship today.
