Managing director, Bechtle
Career so far
After an apprenticeship with Ford in Cologne in quality management, I started the UK branch of Bechtle as a salesperson, progressing to sales manager, to sales director, to managing director.
What was your first job and were you any good at it?
Washing up in a British Military Hospital in Germany. I scalded my hand and got paid up for the summer. I didn't get asked back.
Who was your top teenage pin-up?
It worryingly started off with Nik Kershaw, but quickly progressed to Vanessa Paradis.
My colleagues won't know this about me but... I had a face-to-face bust up with Brian Clough when I was 15 years old before the Rumbelows League Cup Game between Plymouth Argyle and Nottingham Forest. More details on request!
What is your favourite snack?
A Pret Bar or a paella if really peckish.
What has been your career high point to date?
Launching the International Customer Strategy for the Bechtle Group at the annual Group Kickoff - and being chosen for the CRN A-List, of course.
Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?
Good, better, best. We made some great additions to the team, pushed forward on the services/value business and times are good.
What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living?
I look after an IT sales business (nothing too glam like being the drummer from U2).
If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be... a photographer.
What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014?
Converting the "hype" into profitable growth.
