Name: Eddie Brennan

Title: Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators (ALTO)

Background: Having graduated in 1972, he began work with An Post and joined Sound Systems in 1979. The company was bought by Telephone Networks in 1988, which in turn was bought by Cable & Wireless Communications (C&W). Mr Brennan held several positions with C&W, including director of international services, and was appointed managing director in 1997. He left C&W earlier this year.

Education: Educated at St Paul's, Raheny, Dublin, he went to University College Dublin, where he graduated with a physics degree.

Family: Married to Mary, they have five children

Why is he in the news? ALTO is playing an increasing role in the development of the telecoms sector.

Interests: Sailing, flying