From: Terenure, Dublin.

Education: Christian Brothers, Synge Street; College of Commerce, Rathmines; University College, Dublin.

Family: Married to Breda, three daughters, one son.

Career: Started in Irish Pensions Trust, moved to Pensions Office, studied at night at UCD then moved to IDA in 1966. Held various executive positions before being made managing director in 1990, then chief executive of re-vamped IDA Ireland in 1994.

Work style: Informal but focused; little paperwork, much "management by walking around"; immensely popular with staff.