Ellis, David

A-LIST 2005

Company: Computerlinks (UK), Unipalm.

Job title: Director of e-security.

Place of birth: Ipswich.

Year of birth: 1966.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: After studying electronics engineering, I worked for four years at GEC-Marconi Instruments as a test engineer. I made my first move into distribution working for Midwich Thame and stayed there for nine years in a number of roles including technical support and sales. I joined Unipalm shortly after our managing director Mark Norman led the management buy-out of the software distribution business from WorldCom (about eight years ago). I was promoted to the Unipalm board four years ago.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The fact that it moves so quickly.
Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Check Point. The relationship we've had over the years has been key in growing our business

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? It would have to be our managing director, Mark Norman. I've learned a lot from him over the years.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Managing and securing the increasingly mobile workforce within industry.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? You need to move fast and sometimes take a measured gamble.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? I think we will continue to see consolidation, although I strongly believe that there will be a place in the market for those resellers and distributors that are genuinely adding value.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? It has to be Microsoft. It affects all areas of IT, whether you love it or hate it.

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Symantec is very influential and the merger with Veritas will increase this.

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? What Nokia (and other vendors) are doing with mobile technology is really changing the way that people do business.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? I love all sports and at the age of 38 continue to play in goal for a local football team. To keep fit I also go to the gym regularly. I'm also trying hard to relearn French after a 20-year break. Having a two-year-old daughter and four-year-old son keeps me pretty occupied.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Any good seafood restaurant.

What is your favourite drink? Gin and tonic.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? Pulp Fiction.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Probably Paul Weller.

What is your favourite book? I'm not a great reader, although I recently enjoyed Paul Gascoigne's autobiography.

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

What has been your greatest business achievement? Being part of a management team that has taken Unipalm to where it is today.

What is your personal ambition? To feel that I've maximised my potential in everything I do. Oh, and to save a penalty again. My track record over the past few years hasn't been good (as my team mates often remind me).