Darren Neath
Channel director, Fujitsu
Career so far I began my career working for Philips Electronics focusing on Dixons Business Centres, before moving over to reseller then distribution sales for displays. I then went into product marketing on the displays, PCs and peripherals business. There followed a long stint at Taxan (Europe), heading up its product management team with a touch of corporate sales for good measure. Then I moved to Computer 2000, in its HP Business Unit, and finished up managing its Software Business Unit. My last move was to Fujitsu Siemens Computers (now Fujitsu), first managing the distribution business then taking over the partner business too.
Do you care about green IT? Yes I do. It's part of our culture here and has been for 20 years. Someone once said it's in our DNA - I am not too sure about that, but the company's track record speaks for itself in terms of production processes, materials and product design.
If you could be in a rock/pop band, which one would it be and who would you be? Tough one. Either Joe Strummer from The Clash or Jake Burns, lead singer of Stiff Little Fingers. Both bands helped me through my formative years.
What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? The 1990 World Cup semi-final in Italy, Germany versus England. A fantastic time, but three over-riding memories: we lost on penalties; Steve Bull did not start; and along with some customers, we were caught up in the after-match melee, ending up in the back of the Italian version of a Black Maria!
Has 2009 been as bad as everyone said it would be? No not really, and especially not if you work for Goldman Sachs.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? Not yet, but Wolves will unfortunately be in the bottom four by October.
What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2010? Coping with change itself, spotting the next opportunity with a good return on investment and maintaining a positive cashflow.
What is the best part of your day? Catching up with my family, especially wrestling with my five-year-old son and listening to my young daughter practicing her reading.