General manager, Cloud Northern Europe, Ingram Micro
What achievement are you most proud of?
Building the premier cloud software team in Europe and being recognised for achieving thought leadership status.
What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?
The shift from on-premise to hybrid cloud solutions within the SME market, which is delivering the promise of social, mobile, analytics and cloud.
What three things could you not live without?
1. My smartphone - "work, rest and play" truly summarises the value of a smartphone to me. 2. Plastic food containers - a little piece of home wherever I go! My wife's cooking sealed in a box to help me stay nourished and focus on the real priorities in life - health and family. 3. Single malt whiskey - need I say more?
What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?
Skiing on a green slope under a busy ski lift. I attempted to show off my "skills" and fell flat on my face; while lying in the snow I learnt the value of humility.
What do your family think you do all day?
"IT stuff". My children's appetite and aptitude for consuming electronics (Xbox, Surface) reminds me that I too will one day be considered "old fashioned" despite my pride at constantly operating at the forefront of technology.
Who is your ultimate celeb crush?
Scarlett Johansson, a strong and intelligent female role model. She has also starred in movies advocating the promise of technology (Lucy, Ironman 2) and whiskey (Lost in Translation), which makes her difficult not to love and appreciate, in my view.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Haagen-Dazs - Cookies & Cream.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Outlaw reality TV shows that feature halfwits.
Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?
A great year! While new lessons continue to be learned, we have broken down barriers and formed some tremendous new partnerships. The launch of Cloud Marketplace and Cloud Elevate in 2015 has laid down a clear statement of intent from Ingram Micro.
If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do?
I like to think I could have been a famous professional field hockey player, but sadly my ability and my height lets me down!
What major issues will the channel face in 2016?
The availability of "talent" - as the market continues to transform, the need for the right leaders and specialisations will become more important for business to succeed.
