What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

Having been in the job for only a few weeks I think it would be a bit much for me to claim the credit, but I do think our Mazda6 Business Line initiative is one that I’ll look back on as an early success.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My wife, who has both consciously and unconsciously been hugely supportive and a great sounding board when I’ve faced career opportunities and challenges.

What is your dream holiday?

I’d like to go to Antarctica for its wilderness, scenery and wildlife – and really be away from it all.

Who was the last person you received a text from?

My boss, checking on the sales outlook.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Gavin and Stacey – some of which is particularly entertaining if you used to live in Billericay as I did.

When was the last time you took public transport?

I got the bus and a train to go and see Eric Clapton, a long-standing favourite performer, at the Royal Albert Hall.

What would be the first thing you did if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

Check the balance of income and expenditure on transport, looking for opportunities to allocate more resources to improving the transport infrastructure.

What is your favourite film?

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.
It’s very thought provoking and a great mix of comedy, pathos and joy, with
Jack Nicholson outstanding in the lead role.

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

Delaying ‘pulling the plug’ on a struggling project, taught me not to throw good money after bad.

What is your best childhood memory?

Family holidays in Cornwall – exploring beaches and rockpools, walking around small tucked-away harbours and experiencing the sights of the fishing fleets.

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

I’d buy my wife her dream house, she’s earned it.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Consultative, approachable and open-minded.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

I think I’d find my triathlon kit handy – the wet suit for going fishing, mountain bike to get around the island and trainers to protect my feet from the coral.

Who was your childhood hero?

Graham Hill, a racing driver who won Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500 – I admired his apparently devil-may-care outlook on life and his achievements on the track.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Eggs Benedict for breakfast – it reminds me of a fantastic touring holiday of the California coast and wine regions a while back when I first tried the dish.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

I don’t, since I don’t hold myself personally responsible for the environmental challenges we face. However, I will be doing my best to help improve the outlook and Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies will assist me in that.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

I like the idea of having Spiderman’s agility, strength, reflexes and ability to climb whatever he pleases.

What is your dream car?

AC Cobra. I’m well acquainted with great roadsters through driving Mazda MX-5s and I just love the sound of a V8 engine.

What was the pivotal moment in your life?

Leaving Ford to go into marketing services on the agency side, which opened up a whole new chapter in my life and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally in a way I had never imagined possible.