Managing director, Target
What was the worst job you have ever had? Part-time kitchen porter. The most enjoyable thing I did there was sit in the rain for two hours filling a fountain with a hosepipe.
Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie of your life? They'd have to have completely run out of material to consider a movie of my life. But just to be awkward, I'd insist on the dog out of The Artist.
What do you do as your party trick?
I don't have one.
What is your favourite chocolate bar?
It's easier to say I don't have a least favourite chocolate bar.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
I wouldn't like to pick out any one point, but there are lots of things we've done that I'm proud of. We see our role primarily as helping our customers be more successful (because that in turn helps us) and do this in all kinds of ways including free impartial business advice. Some of the most pleasing moments are when we've had a dramatic impact on a customers' business. It's great for everybody, but it's the sort of thing that gives you a real buzz.
Has 2014 been a good, bad or ugly year?
Excellent. Our fifth consecutive year of record sales (and well on the way to a sixth). And lots of success stories from our customers; some we've helped, some who've done it off their own bat.
How would you explain the IT channel to a complete stranger without boring them to death?
I'm not sure I would.
Aside from the channel, my dream career would be... as a small child, I always thought I'd be a professional footballer until those dreams were shattered by misfortune - unfortunately I wasn't good enough.
What major issues will the channel face in 2015?
All businesses have different challenges and opportunities. I never really consider challenges to the channel unless they impact us or our customers. In terms of opportunities, there are always plenty. The real challenge for most businesses is to make the most of the opportunities.
