Chief technologist, Computacenter
What is your greatest career move to date?
Being TUPEed into Computacenter, not thinking I'd stay and then finding what a fabulous place it is to work.
What is top of your bucket list?
Unachievable - a round of golf at Augusta; achievable - dinner with Kylie Minogue.
What has changed most since you started working in the channel?
We're now able to supply solutions to challenges which a few years ago were not even considered a challenge as it would have been impossible to solve. The pace of technology evolution and plethora of newer vendors allows new and creative outcomes for customers. The access to multi-vendor solutions makes the channel an incredibly exciting place to work.
How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?
After the initial reticence and project hold, things seem to be returning to normal. Given the geography of Computacenter, we're in a good place to deal with any local issues, and I see business returning to normal as we move towards 2017.
What is your least favourite task during the working day?
That's easy; any form of admin - that's what procrastination was invented for.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
I'd have to be a tiger - think fast, act fast, then relax and bask in the day.
If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?
I'd keep what I need to survive, look after my family and split the rest among my favourite journalists. Or possibly buy Celtic Football Club.
What is your worst habit?
I have a very slight tendency to be a little over-competitive, apparently.
How has 2016 been for you?
In common with many others, it has been a strange year, feeling difficult at times but I still managed to achieve the majority of my goals from the start of the year.
If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?
I'd have to be Pope. That way people would appreciate I actually am infallible, and right all the time.
What major issues will the channel face in 2017?
I'm looking forward to a strong and positive 2017, with a resurgence in the markets. We can see movement in the vendor landscape, which will make it a hugely interesting year to understand what new vendors come through and how existing vendors consolidate and strengthen their position.
