Rich Marsden
Managing director, VIP UK
Tell us something most people won't know about you
I was once a member of the Eddie Stobart fan club. Purely to give me something to do while driving the length and breadth of the country. I am no longer a member!
What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?
There has not been one. With the mining boom affecting VGA, the challenging retail landscape and now the CPU shortage overall, it has been a tough year in the channel. I would say this (on the back of a record year for VIP), has most certainly been driven by the above factors. I would, however prefer a normal market.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I asked in the office for this answer and was told Leonardo DiCaprio, I am quietly pleased with that.
Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?
As a fellow distributor you have to admire the growth trajectory that Exertis has been on over the last 10 years. To be able to challenge the established global distribution players is a huge achievement for Gerry and his team.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
FIFA on the Xbox - I just love it!
What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?
It's not a tech phrase but I hear or read about it every day. The need to ‘have a work-life balance'; success is not achieved by sitting at home watching TV.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Ban unions - there is no place for the pain they cause with 25 per cent of their membership voting.
What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel? If I knew I would not shout it out on this list.
What is your most treasured possession?
A signed Bolton Wanderers shirt by super John McGinlay, who was a legend for the whites when I was growing up.
What do your family think you do all day?
Sit in meetings drinking coffee, doing not very much.
Who has been your mentor in business?
I have had three: Mark Reed, my first boss; Jatti Sahni, my current one; and Andre Goodison who was my coach for 12 years before he sadly passed.