David Watts

Managing director, Tech Data UK&I

What was your dream career as a child?

Snooker player. I put a lot of time into playing snooker (sometimes instead of school) but was held back by a lack of aptitude and talent.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

Our annual channel partner event, Tech Data Live. We completely changed the format to focus on solutions and customer journeys and this massively resonated with our customer.

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

David Cameron - mostly Brexit but lack of any ideals, principals and humanity. He's better than Boris though.

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

Not the cat who has never liked me. A picture of Churchill and a picture of my much-loved Grandad, neither of which I have digitally.

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

Not quite yet, and hopefully never, but that the untangle-able Brexit impasse would lead to civil unrest. All sides feel like they have been failed.

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Mindhunter on Netflix. An amazing true story of how the FBI discovered serial killers.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Really great. We continue to earn the right to serve our customers through the value we bring, and the fast-changing market gives Tech Data more and more opportunities to support our customers and vendors.

What annoys you most about your commute?

Nothing. I have learned to chill as long experience tells me that a raised heart rate does not reduce traffic.

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

Still quite recent history: the Berlin Wall coming down. Imagine the atmosphere, the rumours, the excitement when people were actually crossing the border unimpeded.

How do you explain the channel to people?

We support and sell to the organisations that make IT work for you.

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

Anywhere hot in winter is good. Las Vegas in July though = dripping mass of sweat - not good.

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

Political and economic uncertainty impacting buying decisions.