Hatton, Mark

A-LIST 2005

Company: Sphinx.

Job title: Managing director.

Place of birth: Bedfordshire.

Year of birth: 1964.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Still being here.

What do you love most about the IT industry? It's always changing.

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

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? Convergence of the networking and security markets.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Always look ahead.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? The channel will be where it is now - between the vendors and the user community. It may look slightly different, but it will still be the optimal route to market for vendors.

Who do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Microsoft, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard are all there.

Who 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? I play golf and have a young family.

Where is your favourite place to eat? At home.

What is your favourite drink? Tea.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? My favourite film in recent times was Kill Bill.

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

What is your favourite book? Neither Here nor There, by Bill Bryson.

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

What has been your greatest business achievement? Employing some really talented people.

What is your personal ambition? To look back on life with no regrets.