Title: Chief executive of Deloitte & Touche in the US and its global parent, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
Born: Atlanta, Georgia.
Family: Married to Patricia. They have two sons, Trip and David, and two grandchildren.
Education: He is a 1967 graduate of Georgia State University, which selected him as its Distinguished Alumnus in 1991, and inducted him into its J. Mack Robinson School of Business Hall of Fame in 2000.
Career: Joined Deloitte Haskins & Sells in 1967 and was admitted to the partnership in 1977. He was named partner-in-charge of the Atlanta office in 1982 and named area managing partner in 1985. Mr Copeland was appointed vice-chairman and regional managing partner of Deloitte Haskins & Sells in 1989, the same year the firm merged with Touche Ross. He was selected as vice-chairman of Deloitte & Touche in 1992 and served as managing partner after his election by the firm's US partners in November 1994. Mr Copeland was elected chief executive of Deloitte & Touche in the US effective from May 30th, 1999, and chief executive of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in April 1999.
Interests: He enjoys golf, athletics, outdoor activities and international travel. He is also an active community volunteer and serves on fundraising committees for educational, charitable, civic and religious organisations.
Why he is in the news: He is addressing the Deloitte & Touche heads of practices from Europe and Africa at a meeting that is being held in Dublin this week. Several hundred delegates from Deloitte offices worldwide will be in attendance.