King, Nick

A-List 2006

Job title: Managing director.

Company: Apex.

Year of birth: 1961.

Place of birth: Suffolk.

Career outline: I only joined the ranks of IT executives in 1993 and I’ve only been with Apex. In fact, I love the company so much I’ve bought it twice.

What motivates you every morning to get up and work in the channel? Achieving goals and targets and making life and Apex successful.

What has been the most over-hyped technology in the past five years? I’ve never been hyped by any of them.

What will be the most underrated technology in the next five years? I’m not a developer or inventor, so ask them.

Which technology would you most like to have invented? A couple of applications starting with ‘M’ or that ‘super information highway’ stuff.

Do you have any regrets from your time in the industry? My handicap is still too high.

If you could swap places with anyone in the industry, who would it be? My rookie sales guy – best job on the planet.

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in your career? People who have ambitions greater than their abilities.

What is the biggest success of your career? When I’ve had a true measure of success, I’ll report it.

What piece of technology could you not live without? I’ve run a business without the internet, mobile phones, BlackBerrys and such. It could be done again if it was consistent.

What would be your advice to anyone starting a career in IT? Make IT part of your life. Don’t do it for a job, let it be part of who you are and what you do.

What would you like for Christmas if you could have anything? An Ashes win, fourth test, Boxing day.

What is your favorite karaoke song? My Way, by Frank Sinatra.

What would be the title of your autobiography? Different.

Do you have any phobias? No.

How many beers before you fall over? 6.

Number of staff you manage? 65.

What is your golf handicap? 12.

What car do you drive? BMW.

Number of air miles you have? 5,000.