Bordan Tkachuk
Career so far: I've always been involved in technology, and my technical introduction to commercial computing came from programming mainframe systems.
With an eye to a developing market, I moved to Australia, taking on the emerging microcomputer market, initially in a technical capacity, but breaking into sales, marketing and moving rapidly into management.
When the opportunity arose to work for Alan (now Lord) Sugar at Amstrad, I joined the team, launching Amstrad Australia and scooping the Marketer of the Year award along the way. I moved back to Europe as managing director of Amstrad we then acquired Viglen and I assumed the responsibility as chief executive where I turned Viglen into a specialist in the education and public sectors.
If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? As I enjoy F1 so much, the opportunity to have been Ayrton Senna for a week would have been a privilege. He showed courage, bravery and pure skills in an era that will never be repeated. The chance to have rub shoulders with others such as James Hunt, Nicky Louda and to have driven pure racing cars using nothing but your skills would have been such an adrenalin rush. He also never really lost touch with his roots and gave inspiration back to his country. He remains a hero of mine.
OK, now back to reality.
Cloud - friend or foe? It's a mixed blessing, promising so much but as yet delivering little more than dreams. But I can see a technological storm coming.
Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? It has not been the easiest of times but fortunately for Viglen we largely got it right and have won a larger share of a smaller market. Our initiatives in storage and academy markets have returned good results in us achieving a bigger share of a smaller pie.
What would you have as your last meal? Anywhere on a beach with the sun setting in a warm climate, fish on the BBQ and a beautiful bottle of wine. Yup, that will do it.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? Steve Jobs to find out what drove him and how he was able to ensure Apple's survival through the difficult times and move the organisation forwards, as well as motivate his staff and ensure their continued moral support.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes, my last year's prediction of Viglen competing and winning business in Tier 1 space and winning major government and education contracts has come true.
What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? To ensure we continue to grow and make profit with pressure as the market continues to be difficult with budgets being cut and pricing being under pressure from competitors that are desperate for a sale at any cost.
What is the best part of your day? Waking up early, going to the gym and getting the adrenaline pumping for the rest of the day, and after 5.30pm when I can finally catch up with my ever-present email without the phone constantly ringing.