Managing director, CAE Technology Services
What achievement are you most proud of?
The success of CAE through two management buyouts, and whenever I can make my children laugh.
What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?
The move from product to service focus. It has been gradual, is still ongoing, but it is the most fundamental. It is also amazing how much hasn't changed in two decades.
What three things could you not live without?
Access to the internet, a good book and a comfy bed. I know society could function without these things but life would be nowhere near as enjoyable.
What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?
I am still trying to discover who exactly at CAE came up with the idea of Directors in Drag for Comic Relief. Dressing in women's clothing is definitely not liberating, although the makeup and false eyelashes really accentuated my eyes.
What do your family think you do all day?
Something with computers, which obviously then makes me IT support for the whole extended family, no matter what the issue. The closest comparison from my children is Mr Bull from Peppa Pig because he is the boss too.
Who is your ultimate celeb crush?
Heidi Klum, as she is only name on my ‘allowed' list from my wife (‘allowed' meaning I clearly have no chance).
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm not sure I feel guilty about anything that is pleasurable - that would take the pleasure out of it.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a proper upper chamber. It is a criminal affront to democracy and sometimes just criminal.
Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?
Growth in all the right areas for CAE means it has been a good year, with the only really ugly part the photographic evidence from the drag moment. If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do? If I followed the path of the rest of my family I would teach but ultimately I would like to own an antiquarian/first edition book shop with time to write myself.
What major issues will the channel face in 2016?
Overall the channel seems to be in a strong position and for companies that provide exceptional levels of service the challenge is the effort required to constantly drive growth. As an industry there is a much bigger challenge of making sure technology is relevant and delivers measurable benefits. The overvaluation of some tech firms is hauntingly familiar from the previous tech crash.
