Cook, Ian

A-LIST 2005

Company: Logicalis.

Job title: Chief executive, European Operations.

Place of birth: UK.

Year of birth: 1953.

Marital status: Sort of married.

Career highlights: Nine Banks Computer Centre, Liverpool; Philips ISA, Croydon; sales and marketing director at Case Communications; managing director ACT (Siemens Network Systems) Group; chief operating officer of Damovo; and now Logicalis.

What do you love most about the IT industry? Its innovation and rate of change, the ability to influence companies fortunes and the sheer competitiveness.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Microsoft for innovation and staying power and Apple for reinventing itself and recapturing its true pioneering style.

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? True convergence, of both technologies and users.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Never be surprised, always be prepared.

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

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Playing golf, watching sport, enjoying wine and cigars.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Le Caprice in London.

What is your favourite drink? Malt whisky.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? MASH.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Early Eric Clapton.

What is your favourite book? Treasure Island.

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

What has been your greatest business achievement? Surviving.

What is your personal ambition? To retire healthy and wealthy.