Mahajan, Rocky

A-LIST 2005

Company: BT Indirect Channels.

Job title: General manager, marketing and strategy.

Place of birth: Los Angeles.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: BT: directing the marketing, products and strategy for BT's Channel Organisation. Orange: advising on its group and UK strategy across business and data solutions. Ernst & Young: consulting across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the US, focusing on high-tech and telecommunications.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The dynamic, fast-changing environment, driven by innovation.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Dell.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Steve Jobs [of Apple].

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Fixed and mobile convergence.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Nothing is sacred.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? There will only be one channel spanning IT, telecoms and mobile solutions. There will be far fewer players, as consolidation continues.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Hewlett-Packard.

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Microsoft.

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Microsoft.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Travelling and spending time with the kids.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Zuma [in London].

What is your favourite drink? Sixteen-year-old Lagavulin.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? The West Wing.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Rock.

What is your favourite book? Any Robert Ludlum book.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Doctor.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Growing a telecoms business by 12 per cent in a market that declines by eight per cent year on year.

What is your personal ambition? To run a £1bn organisation successfully.