Vice president, Business Partners, IBM UK and Ireland
Career so far I've worked for IBM for 20 years in a variety of roles from systems programmer, to roles in client sales and marketing, European operations and business leadership. I'm also a steering board member for the government and IT industry working group, eSKILLS.
Do you care about green IT? Yes. Green IT has become a business imperative. Drivers for action move beyond costs to regulation and compliance, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder reputation and business development.
If you could be in a rock/pop band, which one would it be and who would you be? Pink... and I'd be Pink!
What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? It has to be hosting our Business Partners at Wimbledon where IBM has been IT solutions provider for the English Lawn Tennis Association for the past 20 years. A quintessential English day out: Pimms, Strawberries and cream in a fantastic venue. It never fails to be an outstanding day come rain or shine.
Has 2009 been as bad as everyone said it would be? No. This is clearly an extremely challenging environment in which to work, but the business results demonstrate that with focus on genuine value, tangible return on investment cases and, most importantly, innovation and high-quality delivery you can continue to be successful.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes. England have qualified for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2010? The transformation the channel has undergone over the last few years to become solution providers rather than resellers has demanded many new skill sets, especially as customers relentlessly demand more innovative solutions. The challenge in 2010 will be the speed at which the channel can get on board with new skill sets in the areas they want to focus which deliver real value to our end users.
What is the best part of your day? 7-7.45am, which I spend with my son and my husband to start the day off together, and 7.30-8pm when I read my son a story and we catch up on his day.
