Managing director, Comstor UK & Ireland
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
Chuck Robbins, Cisco chief executive. He is directly relevant to all at Comstor and has shown an innate ability to take a vision, redefine core technologies and business models to underpin digital transformations in the coming years, and re-focus an entire global organisation.
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
I'm not sure there is anything that's not being talked about somewhere. However, I'm beginning to hear talk around the personal implications of a world that's changing increasingly rapidly to a consumption and subscription-based one. How people are focused, rewarded and motivated all has to change with it.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Memorable parties are full of laughter, jousting chatter and a little edgy. Tommy Cooper, Caligula and Emmeline Pankhurst round the table would keep things interesting!
How has 2017 been for you?
Varied, challenging and rewarding. Business wise we saw organisational changes that brought some disruption the way change does, but that's now firmly bedded in and in the past. We're much more agile, efficient and able to service partners more effectively now, so it's great that the back half has been working with them to solve customer challenges in the way we do best. Personally, I relish the challenges and more than ever this year appreciate the great people I get to work with.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had? Me, extravagance?
You need to ask my wife about how I value the simple things in life most of all. I don't do flouncy and extravagances.
Which global city best matches your personality?
Laugh out loud gregarious, optimistic, friendly, open-minded yet a real rock of a place. Cape Town it is.
What would be your super-hero power?
Time travel. I can indulge my curious side and revisit iconic moments in history, look ahead and replay past triumphs - like the moment I became 1986 Benghazi Welly Throwing Champion.
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is…they occasionally win against us!
What makes you nervous?
Forgetting anniversaries. Tried it once. Never again.
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sausage sandwich, brown sauce. Gloucester Old Spot, apple and sage if I was being extravagant.
Sum up the channel in three words
Challenged, adaptable, loyal.
