What was your first ever job? I had many jobs when I was a student, including working at Iceland. One Christmas someone stole an entire cabinet of turkey. What an introduction to retail!

What was your worst ever job interview? One where I pulled apart a marketing brand plan not knowing the brand manager was on the interview panel. I didn’t get the job. The brand is also no longer around.

What was the first music single you bought? I believe it was Common People by Pulp.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I create, test, taste, develop and launch new drinks brands.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The ‘eureka moment’ from a new idea or liquid. Then seeing it through development to getting it on the shelf. Our latest launch is Sorelle, a 0% alcoholic wine-style drink, which is one I am particularly proud of.

What is the least rewarding part? Dead time when travelling.

What is your motto? “Things may come to those who wait but only the things left by those who hustle”. It’s a quote from Abraham Lincoln.

What’s your nickname? Hoppy or Hops - obvious really!

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? To have our next brainstorming session at Sandy Lane in Barbados.

What’s your favourite movie and why? Escape to Victory, for its ingenious casting and seeing a team overcome adversity with humour and ingenuity.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Being pulled on to the stage by a pantomime dame at a Christmas pantomime.

Do you have any phobias? Tuna fish and the office dishwasher!

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Stephen Fry, for his anecdotes and his Twitter database.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry, what would it be? I would like to see retailers giving more time and space to new product development.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A self-replenishing drinks fridge.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? An owl, because it comes alive at night and is full of wisdom.

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