Phil O'Brien

From beginnings as a press photographer in my home town of Liverpool, I enjoyed a photography career which saw me capturing images of The Queen, Princess Diana, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Freddie Mercury, Ayrton Senna, Brian Clough and more.

But it wasn’t enough – I wanted to build something of my own. So, at the age of 22, I started my own business – EMPICS.

EMPICS went on to develop an award-winning technology product and become the world’s largest independently owned sports photography agency, before it was acquired by to the Press Association in 2004.

Since then, I’ve been enjoying “funemployment” with roles as diverse as a Strategic Advisor to the Duchess of Rutland to the founder and chair of a charitable trust for children.

I like anything which has the Wow! factor.