Pete Tomlinson

Product, marketing and sales director, Eclipse part of the KCOM Group

What achievement are you most proud of?

In three years we've taken the Eclipse brand from its sales being 80 per cent broadband and connectivity to being 70 per cent managed services.

What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?

The convergence of software and communications has arrived. It's great to see old product silos come crashing down.

What three things could you not live without?

Salesforce, my iPhone and adventure sports.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?

Go on, try and embarrass me, I bet you can't.

What do your family think you do all day?

A few years ago my daughter's teacher asked the kids what their parents did; she replied her dad has breakfast with some people, lunch with other people and sometimes took people to dinner.

Who is your ultimate celeb crush?

Please see next answer (I'll let you guess which one).

What is your guilty pleasure?

I still have Scott and Charlene's Neighbours wedding on Betamax. I Suddenly want to burst into song and watch it again.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?

I'd make sure that every train has working high-speed Wi-Fi.

Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?

It's been the year Microsoft embraced the subscription economy and got the value of partners; that makes it a great year.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do?

I'd be a pro-surfer. Seriously, Google Pete Tomlinson surfer - I want to be him!

What major issues will the channel face in 2016?

A lack of talent. We're developing our people at all levels, but recruiting experienced colleagues with the right personality and capability will be tough.