Iain Carmichael, head of fleet sales, Audi UK

 

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

Delivering a record fleet volume in 2011 and a record fleet market share of 6.4% for Audi through the committed, professional teams at both Audi UK and the Audi network. In this business, you are only really as good as your last result before the clock resets to zero and off you go again.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Me, really. Hard work, determination and a little bit of serendipity all combine.

What is your dream holiday?

Probably to spend a month having a good look around Australia, which I haven’t visited, but that has always been on my destination list.

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

My younger sister, looking for an update on the supply of her car – she may be in the family but is still a customer nonetheless.

What has been the most pivotal moment in your life?

Deciding to leave the world of theatre as a career and enter the world of automotive – mostly influenced by money, it has to be said.

If you won the Lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

Accommodation for the kids. I’m not sure how any young people are going to be able to buy property in the foreseeable future.

What is your dream car?

GEN 11 (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). I’ve still got the model car.

What is your best childhood memory?

Long summer days, leaving the house early in the morning to spend the day “up in the woods” and only coming back home as it was getting dark – absolutely starving, dog tired, but really excited about doing it all again the next day.

When was the last time you took public transport?

I got a train to London for a team event to celebrate our extraordinary success in 2011.

You are on a desert island – what three things do you take with you?

Solar charger, iPad and a truckload of Lagavulin.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment and why?

Every bin day when I see how much stuff we have to throw away, most of it going into landfill, sadly.

What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn?

No one particular mistake stands out – most have been about people: taking people on face value and/or first impressions and ultimately being disappointed in the delivery or outcome.

What is the one object you couldn’t live without?

The internet. It’s such a valuable source of information, entertainment and general nonsense.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Be more confident and outgoing, explore the world and embrace the diversity it offers.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Enthusiastic, confident, flexible and effective.

Which comic superhero would you like to be?

Hawkeye from the Avengers – simply so that I can say “Hawkeye the Noo!”

What is your favourite restaurant meal?

King prawn dhansak, plain boiled rice and just the one chapatti – in my early career I navigated the country based on the location of good (and sometimes not so good) Indian restaurants.

What is your favourite sitcom?

I’m not a real sitcom fan or watcher – I still hanker after the good old days of Dad’s Army, The Likely Lads, Are You Being Served?, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, etc. It must be an age thing.

What is your favourite film?

The Searchers, the 1956 John Ford film with John Wayne, Natalie Wood, cowboys and Indians – an absolute classic.

What is your favourite book?

Lanark by Alistair Gray – a first novel written over 30 years. Surreal, self-indulgent, Glaswegian brilliance.

Who was your childhood hero?

Same as most wee boys – my dad.

Which historical character do you most identify with?

John Knox – too Calvinist and Presbyterian for my own good.

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