Zak Virdi

Managing director, SoftwareONE

What is your greatest career move to date?
All have different merits and each role has developed me in a new way. My current role has been the most rewarding as it has allowed me to learn many new cultures, travel round the world and hire individuals much smarter then myself.

What is top of your bucket list?
Rally driving. What has changed most since you started working in the channel? Change is constant, there is always opportunity in change. I think 2008 had the biggest impact that I can remember. I call this the old world/new world dividing line. Why? Due to the financial crisis, this fundamentally changed how organisations measured the value of the new investments and introduced six-month RoI business cases. Also, this was the year my friends and I started SoftwareONE in the UK.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?
It will drive companies to expand outside of the UK to leverage the European market (if we are not part of the single market, that is).

What is your least favourite task during the working day?
Having to write about myself.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
A zebra. Apparently the stripes are an evolution adaption to help it keep cool in hot weather. Anything above 32 degrees and I melt.

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?
Invest further into the company share scheme, have a long break with the family and then carry on.

What is your worst habit?
Leaning back in my seat when I'm listening to someone. It can give the impression I am not interested.

How has 2016 been for you?
Great year with massive growth. Why? Any uncertainty in the market creates opportunity for those that are able to adapt quickly enough.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?
A BBC presenter for Horizon.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?
No major issues in 2017 that are not already known. Managed services and cloud adoption will be the key drivers for future growth.