Miriam Murphy

Senior vice president, North region, EMEA, Avnet Technology Solutions

What was the worst job you have ever had? A university summer job as an accountant at an abattoir which prompted two resolutions: never to be an accountant and not to eat red meat. One of those only lasted three weeks.

Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie of your life? Meryl Streep because she has the diversity and strength to portray myriad characters.

What do you do as your party trick?
I cook. It's hardly a trick but they do seem to come back for more.

What has been the highlight of your career to date? I have been lucky to have had many highlights so it's hard to zoom in on one to-date. Let's predict next year's highlight and aim for it to be the success of Avnet's business in the North region in 2015.

Has 2014 been a good, bad or ugly year? The year is not over yet but at this stage I would say it's been good overall; we have seen strong signs of market recovery and investment in growth areas. On a personal level of course it has brought a new challenge and opportunity which is always positive in my book.

How would you explain the IT channel to a stranger without boring them to death? I have many different dinner party versions but the most succinct is that the IT channel enables the specification and supply of technology solutions enhancing life, work and play.

Aside from the channel, my dream career would be... winemaker and restaurateur in South East Sicily, with the lowest rainfall in Europe, vine clad hills and totally unspoilt coast.

What major issues will the channel face in 2015? The constant need for change - in technology and in business drivers and required business outcomes.