Neal Lillywhite

Senior vice president - Northern Europe, NTT Com Security (formerly Integralis)

Career so far

I joined Integralis (now NTT Com Security) in August 2007 as UK sales director to take full control and responsibility of the UK sales operation. In October 2011, I was promoted to UK managing director where I was responsible for the delivery of WideAngle's successful portfolio of managed security, consulting and technology integration services to UK customers, and more recently promoted to senior vice president for our Northern Europe region.

Prior to this, I held the position of country manager, UK & Ireland at Nokia and, in my last role, regional director, Northern Europe at Crossbeam Systems. During my career, I have also worked with major technology organisations including Intel and Research Machines.

What was your first job and were you any good at it?

Assistant and Interflora delivery boy at the local garden centre. Yes, I was good at it.

Who was your top teenage pin-up?

Jenna de Rosnay.

My colleagues won't know this about me but...

I actually enjoy writing code.

What is your favourite snack?

Sundried tomatoes and mozzarella.

What has been your career high point to date?

Clearly my current role.

Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?

2013 has so far been a great year. We announced the change in name from Integralis to NTT Com Security and our new WideAngle brand which will be used as the predominant brand when promoting our company's products and services.
This move will better align ourselves with NTT Communications and its global reach, influence and resources, as part of the 14th biggest brand in the world and 29th largest global company with more than 225,000 employees worldwide.

We have been recognised, by the industry, for the growth and development of our consulting, managed security and technology services which leave our customers free to focus on business opportunities while we focus on managing risk. We look forward to some very exciting new and emerging offerings that will strengthen the new WideAngle brand further.

What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living?

I work in IT; it's the perfect conversation killer.

If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be... sailing.

What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014?

Continued competition from vendors.