Focusing on companies positively impacting emerging markets, Ernst & Young names Ireland’s C-level ‘crème de la crème’

Kerry Technology Park, Ireland, June 2009 – Mike Fitzgerald, CEO of leading mobile communications company, Altobridge, has been named as one of 24 Irish finalists in the ‘Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009’ programme.

The finalists were selected from 110 entries from across Ireland and will join an international field of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs from over 50 countries. The Irish part of the scheme is seen as one of the strongest components of this global programme.

Fitzgerald was chosen for his leadership in driving the ongoing successes of Altobridge in delivering much-needed communications to remote communities in emerging markets using its Remote Community Solution. This combines two Altobridge breakthrough technologies and is the world’s most operationally efficient and cost-effective communications solution for remote user groups.

The finalists were selected from companies in each of three categories: International, Industry and Emerging and, with support from Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland, will take part in a trade mission to Brazil where they will meet key Brazilian business leaders, entrepreneurs, mobile industry experts, government and public authorities.

Commenting on his nomination, Fitzgerald said, “By the late 90s it became clear that the communications requirements of remote user communities were not being properly addressed. Following an extensive global feasibility study, Altobridge was established as an indigenous Irish R&D company, with the goal of identifying the barriers to cost-effective remote communication and overcoming them. It is an honour to be included as a finalist in E&Y’s progamme,” Fitzgerald said.

The winner, to be announced in October, will compete for the worldwide title next year.

For further information on the awards visit: www.eoy.ie.