Phil Brown

Sales & commercial director, IT & Enterprise, Exertis

What is your greatest career move to date?

I would have to say my move from Tech Data to Samsung. Moving into my first senior management position in a company like Samsung taught me a huge amount and prepared me for many situations I would face in later roles.

What is top of your bucket list?

I would love to take the time to drive across the US and visit each and every state along the way.

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

The channel continues to evolve and while every day can seem very similar, when you look back there has been huge change. The continuing consolidation in both distribution and reseller is not set to slow down and there is a lot more to come.

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

The continuing effect on FX is the main challenge and trying to keep on top of this with pipeline, quotes and day-to-day trading is a huge task.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

Trawling through email. It's non-stop. If you were an animal, what would you be? Probably a dog and just lounge around all day.

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

Spend it and travel the world in luxury. What is your worst habit? Being lazy at home.

How has 2016 been for you?

So far so good; I've taken on some new challenges in both work and my personal life and things have been working out, which is great.

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

A sports agent. I would love to see deadline day from inside the football industry and try find the next big star.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

The uncertainty of Brexit will continue to loom large.