Graeme Watt

clock • 2 min read

CEO, Softcat 

Tell us something most people won't know about you

I actively support an Indian charity in a small village called Churachandpur in Manipur State, North East India. Friends and family inside and outside the industry have helped me raise around £40k to fund the development of schools, accommodation, agriculture and other life-enhancing initiatives.

What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?

Joining Softcat and specifically our kick off event in Birmingham.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Kenny Dalglish.

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

That's a tough one. I think Microsoft has to be right up there. It has re-engineered itself and its channel so effectively after some dark days. It started when Satya replaced Steve B.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The short drive to the tube station when I commute to our London office. It is only a very short walk but…

What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?

‘Pivoting' - everyone is doing it but no one knows what is really means.

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

Have another referendum on whether we should remain in the EU.

What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?

Financing - the car industry sells financing as standard and there is so much opportunity to replicate in the channel.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Golf R - it's like a go kart on steroids.

What do your family think you do all day?

Hospitality.

Who has been your mentor in business?

Mark Mulford - sadly deceased. He was one of the kindest and most understated man I have met in terms of the positive impact he had on me and others. He taught me in subtle ways such that I didn't realise his positive influence until many years later.

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