Bill McGloin

Chief technologist, Computacenter

Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?

I'll avoid the obvious Computacenter response (sorry Mike). I've been lucky enough to meet most of the leaders of the current major organisations and all are impressive. At a push I'd go for Michael Dell for bringing two major companies together, while being knowledgeable and approachable, but mostly for following me on Twitter.

What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?

While we are talking about IoT & AI, I think people underestimate the impact it will have, both in terms of data being created, new ways to use this data and the impact on people.

If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?

I'll go for humour, glamour and cool. So Sir Billy Connolly, Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen. Then I'd have Cindy Crawford as Maitre d', Einstein as my sommelier, Paul Newman and Robin Williams as waiters, Frank Sinatra singing, and Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen abusing everyone. People may be surprised I didn't go for Kylie, but obviously I had dinner with her last year.

How has 2017 been for you?

Interesting, exciting and challenging in equal measures. Another year of escalating change, new technology and vendors coming to the fore with differing customer challenges has meant new solutions and adaptation of existing solutions that Computacenter bring to market. I love the changing landscape, and the new offerings and opportunities that come with it.

What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?

Contrary to popular belief, I'm a really cheap date. I've had a few extravagant dinners but not many lunches; I'm generally good with a sandwich at lunchtime. Strangely, the more expensive lunches always seemed to involve the same person (you know who you are!).

Which global city best matches your personality?

After some thought I'm going for San Francisco. It's quite chilled and laid back on the outside with a million things going on under the surface. (And with the potential for an earthquake).

What would be your super-hero power?

Definitely teleportation, to cut down on the time sitting at airports and on trains.

Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… they win occasionally. And their taste in socks.

What makes you nervous?

I hate being late for anything, and running late makes me tense. Generally I like the nervous energy before speaking in front of a large audience and the nerves (or is it anticipation) that come watching Celtic take on Barcelona in the Champions League. We're OK this year as we only have PSG, Bayern and Anderlecht.

If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably fresh fruit, although I could definitely live on Italian food quite happily.

Sum up the channel in three words

Innovative, competitive, partners.