Simon Aldous
Director, partners & channels, Google UK&I
What has been your personal highlight of 2025?
My absolute personal highlight of this year has to be seeing my youngest daughter graduate from Exeter University. I’m incredibly excited and proud to have two daughters who have successfully navigated their way through university and now are making their own way in the world of work.
Which tech figurehead has impressed you the most this year, and why?
This year, Google has massively advanced its AI story - to the point where it’s now the market leader. Sundar Pichai has really been at the forefront of this charge, doing an amazing job of rallying the organisation under his vision of making real change and improving lives through AI. It’s with his determination and passion that Google has been able to achieve such a prominent and differentiated position in the market.
What was your first job in the channel?
My first job after university was as a techie working for a small IT reseller predominately selling into the Public Sector, which was a real learning curve from my background in physics. During my time there, I must have installed thousands of Bernoulli Drives into PCs destined for AWE Harwell!
What’s your personal sustainability commitment for 2026?
I really try to make sustainable decisions every day. At home, we’re great at recycling, but I know we can go a step further. My personal aim for next year is to make more considered, sustainable purchases and take on a ‘Repair, Reuse, Upcycle’ approach, to give things another life and reduce the amount of waste we make.
What’s one hidden talent or skill your colleagues wouldn’t suspect you have?
I am a qualified England Hockey Umpire and spend Saturday's umpiring in the London Premier Hockey League.
What’s your advice for new graduates/apprentices in the channel, in three words?
1. Learn 2. Be Curious 3. Collaborate
What was your first day in your current role like?
Starting my role during COVID was quite a strange experience. On my first day, a box arrived at home with my laptop and some Google swag to get me set up. I then spent the first few weeks on video calls - like so many did during that time - with no real in-person interaction. I was so excited to join such an iconic company and desperate to get into an office, meet my team and experience the famous Google culture, so I’m grateful to have the true experience now!
Who has been the most influential figure in your career so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some phenomenal and talented people throughout my career, all of which have influenced me in different ways. But I would say that David Moore, who was the MD of the first reseller I ever worked for, has had the most impact. He took a gamble on hiring a Physics Graduate with no real IT experience and gave me the opportunity to break into the technology business. Ultimately, I have him to thank for helping me find my path.