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‘I don’t covet material things generally but a vineyard in Italy would be rather special’

Ten minutes with . . . Tony Hanway, chief executive of Virgin Media Ireland

Tony Hanway, chief executive of Virgin Media Ireland.
Tony Hanway, chief executive of Virgin Media Ireland.

Which businessperson do you most admire?

It’s difficult to choose one person; more generally I admire frontline service people who do a challenging job well day after day.

What is your guilty pleasure?

One square of dark chocolate. Just one!

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How do you unwind?

I like most sports and enjoy the great outdoors too, with regular walks mixed with some amateur birdwatching. I studied wine many years ago and enjoy collecting and reading up on what is a fascinating subject.

How much money is in your wallet?

Not much at all these days, just a few quid. I prefer to use a card where possible and I’m enjoying the move to “tapping and going”.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

Effort is admirable but it is results that really matter.

Who is the most famous person in your contacts list?

It has to be Richard Branson.

How do you manage your work-life balance?

Quite well I think. At Virgin Media everything revolves around the team and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great people who I know I can rely on.

The last book you read?

Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.

The last film you watched?

Hell or High Water, a modern Western with important messages about modern society.

What is your favourite possession?

My wine collection.

What’s your most memorable holiday ever?

I really enjoyed visiting Antarctica some years ago, a beautiful land and birdwatcher heaven.

What social media do you use?

Light use of LinkedIn. That’s it.

If money were not an object, what would your fantasy purchase be?

I don’t covet material things generally but an organic vineyard in Italy would be rather special.

What is the first website you look at every morning?

I tend to avoid websites in the morning.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Neither, I don’t like very early starts and I rarely last past midnight.

If you were Taoiseach for a day what would you do?

I would aim to meet each Minister for 20 minutes to hear their top three achievements and disappointments in office.

Then the reshuffle could be announced by the midnight deadline . . .

Which person do you most admire?

Barack Obama, I feel he has many admirable traits both as a leader and a person.

What’s your favourite place in Dublin and why?

I like the Chester Beatty library; there’s a great collection in a lovely setting with a very nice cafe.

Anything you would like to plug?

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