James Napp

Regional director UK&I, Bechtle

What has been your personal highlight of 2025?

Watching Cirque Du Soleil with the family at the Royal Albert Hall. A special day out.

Who is one tech or channel figurehead who has impressed you this year?

Hard pressed to look beyond Jensen Huang who has made Nvidia the backbone of the AI revolution. Will be fascinating to see what happens next.

What was your first job in the channel?

Translating an 800-page IT catalogue from German to English, which took around 6 months in 1997. Pretty sure AI would make short work of that these days.

What’s one hidden talent or skill your colleagues wouldn’t suspect you have?

Hidden talent - I cook a decent Beef Wellington.

What is your personal sustainability commitment this year?

Sustainability - get my family to turn off the lights when they leave a room...and make sure I do too ;-)

What was your first day in your current role like?

Similar to today, but on a different scale. Still enjoying working with many of the same brilliant people.

Who has been the most influential figure in your career so far?

Ian Caston, for giving me my opportunity - a true mentor and friend.