Chief executive, XMA
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
Clive Sinclair. I was an 80s kid; the ZX spectrum was my first computer. Sinclair created the renaissance that took computing into the homes of the UK's young men and women. He set the path for these young people to drive the UK tech market. We should be proud of our homegrown tech innovators. His next invention, the C5, was crap though!
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
The market is consolidating, consumption models are developing at speed, and service models are changing. We all (should) know and be talking about this. I am keen to see what the other stakeholders in this list are going to say what the industry is not talking about.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Samuel Pepys, the greatest diarist of our age. I am currently reading his unabridged diaries - he was a very interesting, funny and gregarious man; Rik Mayall of Young Ones and Bottom fame (hilarious, creative and very intelligent); and Paul Daniels (a little close-up magic for the diners).
How has 2017 been for you?
Like every other year preceding, tough, competitive, continual investment in change but full of opportunity for those with commercial ambition and market anticipation.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?
Egg and chips! For me it is the bottle of wine and the company that turns a normal business lunch into something more exorbitant.
Which global city best matches your personality?
London. A cosmopolitan city, vibrant, fun, industrious, diverse of character, home to the greatest football team on earth.
What would be your super-hero power?
Omnipotence! I would only use it for good… honest.
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… when they beat XMA in a "must-win" deal. Let's be honest, it happens to us all; no channel partner is an exclusive winner.
What makes you nervous?
When my wife picks up my phone!
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tapas (that way you can still get a little bit of everything).
Sum up the channel in three words
Evolution is survival.
