Mark Ash

Director, Enterprise Business, Samsung Electronics

What is your greatest career move to date?

Accepting the challenge to head up Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland Print Division and build a best-in-class operation. It's rare that you get to handpick your entire management team and most of their reports.

What is top of your bucket list?

I'd like to cycle every mountain in Europe. I started in Crete this year and the sense of freedom was exhilarating.

What has changed most since you started working in the channel?

Digital convergence. The market has moved from areas of specialism to a connected workplace. The pace of change will only increase and it's incredibly important for us all to challenge the status quo. It's far too easy to accept what you have always done as ‘normal', when you should be looking at ways to become more effective.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?

Currency fluctuation has been the greatest impact thus far, albeit one that we can manage. Ask me again in two years for the rest.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

The Monday morning commute. This typically starts at 3.45am and it takes about four hours to get to the office.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

An eagle. The views would be spectacular and it would be nice to be top of the food chain.

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?

Buy a collection of supercars and superbikes, which I would use on the most stunning tracks in the world.

What is your worst habit?

I have been known to talk a little too much.

How has 2016 been for you?

It has been a phenomenal year as we have collectively broken many records and achieved our goals. This has been the culmination of four years of hard work. It's incredibly rewarding seeing the team get the recognition they deserve. The recent acquisition of Samsung Print by HP has only added to the excitement.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?

I'd be a MotoGP rider. You get to ride the best technology in the world, compete around the globe and yet still retain anonymity outside of the motorcycling world.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

M&A and the need for smooth integrations. 2017 is likely to see further consolidation, with acquisitions being a dominant factor. This has been evidenced on a weekly basis in CRN!