Managing partner, Demuto
Career so far
I started life as a PC engineer, moved into management in my early 20s and then spent the next 15 years working with vendors on behalf of resellers and distributors before setting up Demuto in 2008. We are now established as specialists in developing great channel partnerships and work across the whole of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
What was your first job and were you any good at it?
I worked in a builder's merchants during college holidays driving the stackers and diggers. I am not sure whether I was any good at it but I had a great time screaming around the yard.
Who was your top teenage pin-up?
No pin-ups but I did have a rather smelly collection of tie-ups from Warrington rugby players that were much sought after among the kids that used to run onto the pitch at the end of each game.
My colleagues won't know this about me but...
They pretty much know everything, thankfully.
What is your favourite snack?
Too many to list. My current favourite is sweet and salty popcorn.
What has been your career high point to date?
I am especially proud of making Demuto a success over the last five years.
Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?
It has been a great year for our business as the team has grown and we're having lots of fun. It's also been a great year for channel partners who have a clear strategy, look after their people and treat business partners with respect.
What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living?
Even after five years my wife still can't describe what I do. My mum thinks that I work for MI5 as I travel abroad so much.
If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be...
I wanted to be a chef at school and while I still like cooking, my knees wouldn't cope with 12 hours of standing up any more.
What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014?
Establishing who does what, as the xAAS ecosystem starts to settle down
