The World's Billionaires (edited - from Forbes)
#305 Denis O'Brien
Net Worth:$2.2 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:telecom - Founder, Chairman of Digicel Group
Age:50
Country Of Citizenship:Ireland
Residence:Dublin
Industry:Telecommunications
Education:Bachelor of Arts / Science, Boston College, Master of Business Administration
Marital Status:married, 4 children
Colourful, cussing cell phone mogul, already operating in dozens of Caribbean islands, is quickly expanding in the South Pacific in such places as Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, despite coups, riots and government threats to nationalize.
He endears his firm to masses by lowering prices and upping philanthropy. Angry mobs in Haiti's food riots last year spared his phone stores from burning and looting out of respect for the "Company of the People."
Spent $700 million buying up shares in Irish newspaper company, Independent News & Media, in effort to oust former billionaire investor, Anthony O'Reilly; stake now worth $50 million. Also has interests in radio stations, online recruiting sites in China, and Portuguese resort.
Son of human rights activist, started nonprofit Front Line to fly activists in danger out of hot spots.
My gosh, I had no idea that Denis O'Brien had so much guts, going to countries that are hostile. I believe he would serve well on security issues.
ReplyDeleteMike