Julian Bambridge, MPM

Julian Bambridge, MPM

What was your first-ever job? Manager of Deep Pan Pizza in Selly Oak, Birmingham. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared - although I’ve no desire to ever eat a pizza again!

What’s been your worst job interview? I’ve not had too many, so there aren’t really any horror stories. For me, the worst ones are when you realise halfway through that it’s not the right role or company for you.

What was the first music single you bought? I’m sorry to say it was Fly on the Wall by AC/DC.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I work for MI5! None of them believe I sell petfood, as I’m never in the country, so I like to play up to their conspiracy theories.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Watching people grow. Giving my team the freedom to express themselves, and then seeing what they can achieve, is such a thrill.

What is the least rewarding part? Internal politics. I can’t stand it - it is unproductive and breeds contempt.

What’s your nickname? It is just my surname shortened a bit - Bambo.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Unlimited flight upgrades. It would make my regular plane travel easier to bear. Are you reading this, British Airways?

What’s your favourite movie and why? Lord of the Rings, as it’s still my favourite book.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? It’s a long story, but it involved a hotel room in the Bahamas, a shower and the manager showing a wedding party round the hotel.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? A celebrity chef like Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay - it would make lunch time fantastic and I’d love to see what they can do with petfood.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I wish more people were willing to push boundaries and create really groundbreaking products instead of brand imitations.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My iPod - as long as I had a way to charge it.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A dog, particularly my dog, Ollie. It’s what you’d expect from a petfood manufacturer, surely!