The Last Word: Andy Wady

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

I feel that I have been able to raise the profile and importance of fleet within Citroën both at our own head office and with the wider dealer network.

As a result, Citroën is a more fleet focused and friendly organisation to our corporate clients.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My wife. She has constantly encouraged me to stretch myself further.

What is your dream holiday?

A skiing holiday in France. I love the first run of the day, the fresh air and, of course, the food and après ski.

Who was the last person you received a text message from?

My wife – I was late leaving the office again.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Inbetweeners. It reminds me of what being a 15-year-old school boy was like – tragic, but very funny.

What is your favourite film?

Goodfellas – I love a good gangster movie and Robert De Niro is my favourite actor.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

An iPod, a Kindle and a boat so I can leave if the sunshine and relaxation ever gets too much.

When was the last time you took public transport and where were you going?

I took a train and the London underground to Duxford Air Museum to shoot the Business Class campaign in a massive hanger full of Second World War planes, a very surreal experience.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

I’d get rid of all the potholes across our road network.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the Lottery?

I would buy a large yacht and plan a three-month sailing holiday around the Mediterranean with my family.

What is your best childhood memory?

Going to Florida with my parents for a holiday and visiting Disneyworld and the Kennedy Space Centre.

What has been your biggest mistake in business – and what did you learn from it?

When I was a rental account manager for another manufacturer I mis-ordered 500 cars without alloy wheels.

The rental company was delighted with no alloy wheel damage to repair, the manufacturer’s remarketing team was less pleased.

I learnt to read car brochures more closely and always pay attention to the finer details.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Lobster thermidor. I just love the taste and it reminds me of being by the sea.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I am very lucky that I work with a great team who are all extremely experienced.

I therefore have a collaborative, but challenging style in order to utilise their knowledge and get the best out of them.

I also try to maintain a sense of fun along the way as I think it is important that people enjoy
their roles.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

When I took my patio heater to the tip, having used it about six times over the past five years.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad. He was a soldier and I wanted to grow up and join the Army, but somehow I ended up in the car industry instead. Not sure what happened there.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

Danger Mouse. It was one of my favourite shows as a kid and I never liked Baron Greenback.

What is your dream car?

A Porsche 356 Speedster. One of the most beautiful cars ever made and everyone should own a Porsche once in their life, shouldn’t they?

Has there been a pivotal moment in your life?

The birth of my two children. They are great fun, keep me sane and also very tired.