Murray Pearce

Joint managing director, Infinigate UK

Career so far

I have worked for Digitial Equipment, Compaq, HP and McAfee all in channel roles, mostly selling into and managing distribution.

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

Selling pies at a fast food chain. I wasn't that good at it; it was quite hard and boring.

Who was your top teenage pin-up?

Eddie from Iron Maiden.

My colleagues won't know this about me but... I like a good game of chess.

What is your favourite snack?

At the moment, dried mango. My daughter has me hooked on it.

What has been your career high point to date?

Successfully completing the deal for our company Vigil Software to become Infinigate UK, becoming part of the most exciting security VAD in Europe.

Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?

Great year so far, personally with the birth of my son, and professionally due to the significant new opportunity and growth we are experiencing as Infinigate UK.

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

Sell stuff. When pushed further, we secure stuff.

If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be... happy. Seriously I'm not sure - probably getting into trouble

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

Staying relevant to our customers by adding real value in a market where increased efficiency, cost reduction and consolidation are hugely important to customers.