Terry O'Brien
Chief executive, Digital Wholesale Solutions
What was your dream career as a child?
I wanted to be the Pope.
What has been your personal highlight of 2019?
The rebranding and repositioning of our business to DWS. It was a really enjoyable process, executed really well and taken really well by the partners we work with.
Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?
David Cameron - for his mismanagement that led to the last three years of stalling UK development.
What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?
My dog Daisy and my house rabbit Dobbie. Everything else can be replaced - life can't.
Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?
Man Utd having a very disappointing season.
What TV show have you binge watched this year?
Succession.
How has 2019 been from a business perspective?
Awesome. I'm loving it. I love this sector, love the channel, love the constant innovation. I'm enjoying going to work each day.
What annoys you most about your commute?
Sitting next to someone who sucks hard boiled sweets really loudly or someone who constantly takes small sips from a plastic bottle of water and cracks the bottle each time. I like to chill on the train and reflect on the day.
If you could witness one past event, what would it be?
England winning the football World Cup. It's an amazing event that brings a country together. We could do with re-uniting again right now with a common purpose.
How do you explain the channel to people?
The most powerful and talented salesforce of tens of thousands of people you could hope to have selling your products or services that you don't even pay for.
What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?
My favourite was Alton Towers; my least favourite was Birmingham Metropole.
What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?
Always doing more for their customers than they do today. Being their customers' expert in this evolving digital economy.
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