Director sales, AMD EMEA Channel
What is your greatest career move to date?
My first job, working at a UK system builder called Compusys. Without that I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today.
What is top of your bucket list? I have short-term bucket lists. The next ambition is to complete Ironman Wales in 2017.
What has changed most since you started working in the channel? Technology is of course evolving and bringing incredibly exciting new opportunities, in such things as VR, gaming and data centres. It is also noticeable how vendors, distributors and resellers are trying to sell solutions, not just products. The channel is full of entrepreneurial, ambitious and smart sales/marketing/PR people.
How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?
The full outcome of the exit vote is yet to play out. However, we saw an immediate impact with currency fluctuations that had a knock-on effect to distributors who generally transact in US dollars or euros from their manufacturers. The outcome of the referendum has no immediate implications for our European strategy or operating model. We remain deeply committed to our European business and will continue to implement and focus on our overall global sales strategy in EMEA and around the world.
What is your least favourite task during the working day? I travel most weeks out of the country, so the airport is probably my least favourite thing.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
My chocolate labrador, Duke. He has a great life and is loved.
If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?
After the holidays, houses, cars, charity, friends, families, parties and other extravagant things, I would love to invest in startup companies and entrepreneurs who just need a helping hand to get the next big idea off the ground.
What is your worst habit?
I am always up early and can never change my body clock to allow more sleep.
How has 2016 been for you?
Personally for me it has been incredible. I achieved an ambition I have had for two years and completed the Ironman UK Triathlon in July after nine months of training. While it may sound tough, the hardest part was giving up alcohol for three months!
If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?
Something involving sport, either playing or coaching.
What major issues will the channel face in 2017?
The channel will face many opportunities, with the development of VR, the continued growth in gaming and Esports, combined with growth in data centres. The balance will be also managing credit lines, return on working capital and other key metrics important to both manufacturers and channel partners so that all of the exciting new areas are profitable for everyone involved.
