Welcome to the CRN A-list 2019

We quiz 137 of the UK's top channel executives on subjects ranging from what they'd do first if they were prime minister, to who they'd have play them in a film of their life

From the reseller boss who once played the trombone on the White House lawn to the distribution MD who owns over 100 pairs of shoes, the UK's top IT channel executives possess many surprising hidden talents and hobbies.

It is precisely such gems that CRN's annual A-list is designed to unearth, and respondents told us they found this year's set of 11 questions particularly exacting.

You can view the PDF here and individual profiles here.

Matt Riley will be a familiar face to most people reading this supplement, but how many will be aware that the Daisy chairman can walk on his hands like a gymnast?

Or that Bell Integration boss Alastair Bell likes to relax by diving cave systems in Mexico?

Spnsored by Agilitas, this year's A-list sees 137 top execs in the channel grilled on a range of topics, ranging from who they would have play them in a film of their life, to their guiltiest pleasure.

We also asked them what their first act would be if they were made prime minister, with answers ranging from cancelling Brexit and re-introducing national service to "eliminating" middle-lane drivers.

A fixture in the CRN calendar since 2005, the A-list aims to give the channel's biggest hitters the opportunity to showcase their playful side. Being that CRN is a serious and sober business publication, we have also thrown in some more solemn, industry-related questions for good measure.

From Westcoast founder Joe Hemani and Softcat CEO Graeme Watt, to BT Business Direct boss Helen Slinger, no one was too proud to take on our tricky questions this year, and we hope you enjoy reading their thoughtful replies.

A big thank you - and congratulations - to everyone who made the cut.