Bob Swallow

Managing director, Logicalis UK

Tell us something most people won't know about you

My favourite film is Kelly's Heroes. This has had no bearing on my approach in business, I assure you.

What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?

Becoming a grandad for the first time. And the second time. And the third time!

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Tom Hanks (if he put some weight on) but more likely Ray Winstone.

Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?

Siemens - an established, quality brand that is able to command premium pricing for its solutions.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Ice cream.

What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?

‘Big data'. Data is data.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?

Simplify the tax system.

What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?

Development of talent - including apprentices and graduates. There's so much opportunity to move around that if you don't invest in your staff, someone else will.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession in business is my integrity and reputation. Outside work it's my family and golf clubs!

What do your family think you do all day?

My three sons know exactly what I do. My wife has no idea.

Who has been your mentor in business?

Bill Driscoll, who I started to work with in 1994 when he was MD of SNSL. He was a pipe smoker, and every suck on his pipe would be followed by a pearl of wisdom. He was a great sounding board and had impeccable timing - always asking the perfect question at the perfect time, and more often than not, already knowing the answer. I learned a lot from his interview technique - he was always interested in how the candidate might fit into the business.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Send to  

• Topics
• People
• A-list 2019