How did you get where you are today?

By being flexible and open to new opportunities. I've spent much of my commercial career at Britvic and have worked across many areas of the business, from sales through to channel marketing, grocery and wholesale management and customer operations. It's given me the insight that helps me do my job today.

What was the best decision you have made in your career and why?

Deciding to be a generalist rather than a specialist.

Who do you most admire in the grocery industry?

The local convenience retailers who understand there's a lot more to offering a great shopping experience than just price.

Do you have a mentor?

I have had a mentor outside Britvic who has challenged me to ask myself the questions I didn't want to ask, and encouraged me to be gutsy enough to apply what I've learnt back into the organisation.

What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told?

You can't bank percentage margin.

If you could change one thing about the grocery industry, what would it be?

I'd like to see the industry placing more value on the innovation and customer experience that brands bring to the marketplace, and less value on simplistic price measures.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working with great people and great brands and being challenged every day by the industry.

What is the one thing that you could not do your job without?

A great family life which helps to keep the ups and downs at work in perspective.

If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why?

On reflection, I would have realised that at 22 maybe I didn't know all the answers!

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry and why?

In a multimedia world, don't forget the power of a telephone or face-to-face conversation. People buy people. Management by e-mail is not the best solution.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love being with my family and doing simple things such as being "dad's taxi" or supporting the kids in their sporting endeavours. I love any family holidays, especially skiing.

Where do you hope to be in five years' time?

Seeing an alternative perspective from a new rung on the ladder - hopefully one that's higher, but we'll wait and see!