Watt, Graeme

A-LIST 2005

Company: Bell Microproducts.

Job title: President European operations.

Place of birth: Edinburgh.

Year of birth: 1961.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Degree in Biological Science (Physiology) Edinburgh University, 1983. Joined Ernst & Young and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1987. I then worked at First Software, Frontline Distribution, Computer 2000 [C2000] and Tech Data from 1988 to 2003. From 1995 to 2000 I was running C2000 in the UK and latterly have had additional country responsibility. From 2000 to 2003 I was president of Tech Data European operations.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The pace, the people, the chaos, the change, the innovation.

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

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Paul Mountford of Cisco.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? A blurring of the lines between single and two-tier distribution. Lots more consolidation at all levels of the chain.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Be flexible and make quick decisions.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? Fitter, leaner and more focused on service and solutions.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Symantec/Veritas.

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

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

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Family time wi th my wife and four children. Golf, gym, tennis. Watching all sport, predominantly football and rugby - not motor racing.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Chez Bruce.

What is your favourite drink? French or Italian red wine.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? Have I got New for You on TV, and WithNail and I.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Where do you start? To give a spread, Bowie and latterly Athlete.

What is your favourite book? The Dice Man [by Luke Rhinehart].

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

What has been your greatest business achievement? Probably where we took C2000 from 1995 to 2000; the culture, the people, the results.

What is your personal ambition? To run my own business some time, for the risk, return and control.