Director, Datech & Maverick UK
Career so far I spent one year at CHS Electronics followed by two stints at Computer 2000 over eight years with a break in the middle for two years running the AV division at Samsung Electronics. At Computer 2000 I started as a networking specialist, then ran the Compaq/HP business before and after their merger and then ran the PC & peripheral business. Before all of these things I travelled, studied and worked for the Prison Service.
Do you care about green IT? I do and I think most people in our industry do but they find it hard to collect enough of a meaningful, joined-up proposition to take to business end users. We sell Autodesk software which is providing tools focused on sustainable construction; we sell LED BLU technology in our display products, which are more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly at the end of their life – there are plenty of products available and many more to come.
If you could be in a rock/pop band, which one would it be and who would you be? I am not really a fan of Girls Aloud but would love to be in charge of buffing them up before they go on stage.
What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? Lots of great trips, but the best was the Euro 2004 quarter-final where England got knocked out by the home country, Portugal. Incredible atmosphere and noise although by the time I got the hang of one England chant they moved on to another (not a big football fan generally).
Has 2009 been as bad as everyone said it would be? It’s been tough, no doubt, but from the perspective of our market we are not opportunity restricted. We have focused our teams on areas of where we can best service and help our customers grow. This formula has been good so far but we have to be better all the time.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? Some…
What do you see as the channel’s biggest challenge in 2010? Focusing on growth in a difficult economic environment; divestment and investment decisions in that environment.
What is the best part of your day? Food time.
