Do we know who runs the big mining pools?
This list is not exhaustive, and the information is based on bitcointalk and coindesk discussion and articles. As of 1 Dec 2014, based on pool stats from few websites including https://blockchain.info/pools

GHASH.io is at 13 % , it is based out of Europe.
GHASH is closely related to CEX.io BitFury, Jeffrey Smith is the technical person at CEX.io.
Eligius 4 % is operated by Luke.Jr 
Discus Fish 25%  is based out of china &amp; coowned by Wang Chun.
Megabig power 2% in Washington operated by Dave Carlson.
KNC 8% is based out of Sweden , Sam Cole &amp; Marcus Erlandsson.
Cointerra 2%  is based out of Texas. Timo Hanke &amp; Ravi Iyengar.