Colin Brown

Managing director, Softcat

What is your greatest career move to date?

It has to be moving from a 90,000-person industry behemoth to a small but punchy 300-person company (Softcat), just over four years ago.

What is top of your bucket list?

Attending a CRN awards night and not having a hangover the next day.

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

Working hours. When I started in the channel some 25 years ago the working week was more, well, French - late starts and long lunches. Not anymore!

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

Not much at all judging by the evidence of the last four months.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

Printing anything. Printers hate me.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A dog, a hard dog. But one who likes soft cats…

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

Party like it's 1999. And then give generously to worthy causes, of course.

What is your worst habit?

Eating the jelly beans that we have for visitors on reception. I just can't stop myself - I'm addicted!

How has 2016 been for you?

Like most years, it's gone far too quickly. But so far, a successful one on many fronts.

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

I'd be a chemist. Easiest job in the world. Just look at the prescription, go the shelves and get the stuff that matches the name on the bit of paper. Basically you're just being paid to find stuff - how hard can that be?

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

Massive changes in the industry with mergers, demergers and acquisitions the new normal - but change means opportunity, so bring it on.

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• Topics
• Reseller
• A-list 2017(b)