Cliff Fox

Chief operating officer, Pure Technology Group

Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?

I'm counting NASA as ‘tech'. So, the person I most admire is Gene Krantz, mission director for the Apollo programme including Apollo 11 and 13. The quote "failure is not an option" was attributed to him, although he never said it. A brilliant leader coping with the unknown, managing extreme adversity and total trust in his team. Many of NASA's subsequent leaders revered him.

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

Green tech seemed to lose its way post-recession but I believe that in the next two decades green tech, focused on lower consumption, renewables and the environment will become ever more necessary. Planet Earth is our biggest single point of failure.

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

Robin Williams, Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga) and Jesus might make for a good evening, but would Jesus need a translator?

How has 2017 been for you?

2017 has been good so far; some great results and lots more to aim for.

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

Does anyone do that any more since the ‘new normal' was christened? I've had a few good nights out though.

Which global city best matches your personality?

I think I'm more ‘town' than ‘city' but got married in San Francisco so I'll choose that.

What would be your super-hero power?

It's a toss-up between invincibility and precognition. If you could see the future seven-days hence then next week's Euromillions might be nice, but then money can't buy health… yet.

Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… No comment. Never criticise, condemn or complain, someone once taught me.

What makes you nervous?

Bad drivers. I've been in cars with some people who really shouldn't have a licence.

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

"Liver with fava beans and a nice chianti".

Sum up the channel in three words

Could do better.