Date and place of birth: 18th October 1965, Nottingham
Residence: Southfields, London
Marital status: Married with two children
Education: MEng Electrical Engineering 1989 (Imperial College), PhD Financial Mathematics 1993 (Imperial College)
Career path: Equity Derivatives JPMorgan 1993-1995 (Pricing Models Group), Founder Director Xenomorph 1995-
Current posts: CEO Xenomorph

Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was working on my mother’s market stall back home. As somewhat of a contrast then my first full-time job was working at JPMorgan, developing pricing models for the Equity Derivatives Group. I still have problems explaining to my mother what exactly it is I now do for a living.

Q: Who is or was your mentor?
A: Never been asked that question before: At Imperial College then I would have to say it was hugely enjoyable and entertaining working for Nicos Christofides and Gerry Salkin. Xenomorph’s Non-Executive Directors have been helpful to me over the past few years, and in particular I would have to mention Rod Perry whose advice I have very much appreciated.

Q: Which business leaders do you most admire?
A: I would have to say business leaders that focus on getting things done. I particularly admire leaders within extremely large corporations who demonstrably make a difference, since I think their job is more difficult than someone like mine managing an expanding company.

Q: If you weren't in your current job, which company would you most like to lead?
A: I have a pet project to set up a City-based chain of bars that has real-time display of beer prices based on demand with associated futures and options contracts. I think it could be fun and financially interesting.

Q: Do you read books on management theory? If, so which has influenced you the most?
A: I read a lot, but not a lot of management theory. One book I did read all the way through a long while back was “Crossing the Chasm” by Geoffrey Moore. Clive Woodward (Ex-England Rugby Coach) can be quite inspiring when talking about management, but after the recent Lions performance I am not sure I should put him forward…

Q: Which competitors do you benchmark your company's performance against?
A: Obviously I keep in mind competition from the likes of Asset Control, KX Systems, Vha Yu. I think one thing that is exciting about this market is that there are always new players coming through, so I think you always have to be aware that your benchmarks can and should change over time.

Q: What has been your best experience in business?
A: Removing 'energy-sappers' – the positive results from dealing with people that unfortunately don’t fit in has been great for the whole company.

Q: What was your biggest mistake in business?
A: Hiring inexpensive, inexperienced staff when first trying to expand Xenomorph in 1997. Costs went up, productivity went down and it took a year or so to sort out. So, my advice to any start up looking to expand is to hire expensive and experienced staff; they can really help and add value to what you are doing without putting any drain on your business.

Q: What keeps you awake at night?
A: Nothing much; my baby son sometimes wakes up too early but not too often.

Q: How do you relax?
A: Spending time with the kids can be great (if they are not too tired!). I enjoy cycling - my wife and I have a mountain bike tandem and using it without arguing is a testament to the strength of any marriage. I also enjoy playing tennis, table-tennis, (watching) rugby, reading and listening to music.

Q: What was the last gadget you bought?
A: My mobile phone with radio and MP3 player built-in.

Q: Favourite Web site
A: BBC News.

Q: Desert island disc/book
A: Elvis Costello greatest hits collection for the disc. 'The Best a Man Can Get' by John O’Farrell for the book.