John Foley (49).

Why is he in the news?

Chief executive of Waterford Crystal, which has implemented a series of measures to cope with the downturn in the US economy - including 100 job cuts, short-time working and a 10 per cent cut in prices to suppliers.

Background:

Educated at Mungret College, Limerick, McNeese State University, Louisiana - which he attended on an athletics scholarship - and Harvard Business School. Has held senior marketing positions in Beecham, Johnson & Johnson, Cheseborough Ponds and Bord na M≤na.

Joined Waterford Crystal as marketing manager in 1991. Appointed chief executive in September 2000.

Family:

Married to Eilish, with a son Paul (23) and daughter Rachel (15 today!).