Rob Bardwell

Group executive chairman, Pinacl

What was your dream career as a child?

A motorcycle roadracer - I competed in the Manx Grand Prix for 10 years, but that's as far as I got.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

Leading the negotiations that led to being acquired by a forward-looking venture capitalist group, keeping everyone in place and giving everyone an even brighter future.

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

Not a person but the whole of the UK Government (inept doesn't come close).

What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?

My iPad and MP3 player (where would I be without searching the internet and music, which is the food of life).

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

That Pinacl would be acquired.

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Stranger Things.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Great but challenging - but if it was easy, what is the point?

What annoys you most about your commute?

Nothing: 10 minutes through the beautiful countryside of North Wales.

If you could witness one past event, what would it be?

The discovery of electricity.

How do you explain the channel to people?

A harmonious collection of interdependent companies selling to end users, where everyone knows their place (with tongue very firmly in cheek).

What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?

Phoenix Arizona and Nice are the favourites; I've not had any that qualify as least favourite.

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

Understanding that each company has its part to play based on the value it brings and that there are no shortcuts in the long term.