Sales director, UK&I indirect sales, HP
Career so far
I've spent about 30 years in the industry, working a variety of end user and channel roles with Digital, Compaq and HP.
What was your first job and were you any good at it?
My first proper job was as a computer operator for a Seismic Exploration Company. We turned hundreds of magnetic tapes into charts that were used to determine the presence of oil and gas. Was I any good at it? Yes - after eight months I was posted to Holland to set up a datacentre for Shell; not bad for someone whose previous IT experience was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
Who was your top teenage pin-up?
I had several - my teenage years were in the mid to late 1970s so I had lots of badly dressed women to choose from. When it comes to making a decision, it has to be the blonde one from Abba.
My colleagues won't know this about me but... my dad in his teenage years went out with Julie Andrews. Actually, some of my colleagues do know - it's a great after dinner story.
What is your favourite snack?
Chocolate bourbons.
What has been your career high point to date?
The job I have now. I feel privileged to lead the indirect sales organisation for HP. I have a great team, and every day get exposed to the entrepreneurial community that is the UK&I channel.
Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?
A good year - 2013 saw the HP indirect sales organisation placed at the centre of our go-to market strategy.
What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living?
That I really don't present Grand Designs. People say that Kevin McCloud and I look the same.
If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be... pottering about in my kitchen and garden - yes, I've reached a certain age.
What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014?
I could say the normal cliché stuff, such as being relevant and adapting. But I think the challenges in a tough economy tend to be more about being focussed, managing costs, maintaining a healthy P&L and keeping the best people inside the organisation.
