Martin Hess

Chairman, OCSL

What is your greatest career move to date?

Thirty-three years ago I joined ICL as a graduate trainee and have had a wonderful career. Joining the agile organisation that is OCSL this year is my greatest move because the view I had of them from the outside is even better on the inside.

What is top of your bucket list?

Hong Kong Sevens and the Breeders Cup.

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

The move to cloud and digital is accelerating and changing everything.

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

It will drive a more dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit in Britain as we have to compete in the world - which OCSL fully plans to take advantage of. What is your least favourite task during the working day? Making my own tea and coffee.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A long-distance thoroughbred racehorse so I could win the Grand National.

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

Stay as chairman of OCSL and build a charitable foundation that would have an impact for many generations to come.

What is your worst habit?

I'm told I never put my mobile on silent in meetings.

How has 2016 been for you?

Career wise a big change from corporate HPE to more entrepreneurial OCSL. I left HPE after 14 fantastic years and have really enjoyed the new challenge - it's been a great year so far.

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

A TV current affairs interviewer or
radio host.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

Moving from selling product to value add services, the pace of change is only getting faster.

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