Roberto Viola holds a doctor degree in electronic engineering (Dr. Eng.) and a master in business administration (MBA). He is Deputy Director General at European Commission – DG CNECT, with responsibilities for Electronic Communications Networks and Services Directorate, Cooperation Directorate – International and Inter-institutional relations, Stakeholders cooperation, Coordination Directorate – Growth and Jobs, Innovations and Knowledge Base, Media and Data Directorate.

Since 2005 to 2012 he has been the Secretary General in charge of managing AGCOM (Italian media and telecom regulator).

He has been Chairman for 2012-2013 of the European Radio Spectrum Policy group (RSPG), he was Deputy Chairman for 2011 and Chairman for 2010.

He was in the Board of BEREC (Body of European Telecom Regulators).

He was Chairman for 2007 of the European Regulatory Group (ERG).

He served in AGCOM (1999-2004), as Director of regulation department and technical Director being in charge of, inter alia, regulation in terrestrial, cable and satellite television, frequency planning, access and interconnection of communication services, cost accounting and tariff in telecommunication and broadcasting services.

From 1985-1999 he served in various positions as a staff member of the European Space Agency (ESA) in particular, he has been head of telecommunication and broadcasting satellite services.