Thompson-Hughes, Jess

A-LIST 2005

Company: React Technologies.

Job title: Managing director.

Place of birth: Manchester.

Year of birth: 1966.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Senior director support and enterprise business development at Ericsson IP Networks, managing director of ANS, support at KNS, British Army.

What do you love most about the IT industry? I don't love the IT industry, I hate it. However, I don't appear to be able to get out of it.

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

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Neil Ledger [of Equip]. I don't know how he does it.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Voice over wireless LAN.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? There will be fewer superlarge distributors, more systems integrators (I hope).

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Cisco, unfortunately.

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? What's an ISV?

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

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Adventure sports.

Where is your favourite place to eat? India.

What is your favourite drink? Boddingtons.

What is your favourite book? Forty-five Years in India, What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Pilot.

What has been your greatest business achievement? GoshÉ Probably making a success of starting another company in a very depressed market.

What is your personal ambition? To get out of the IT industry.