Climbing the ladder

Grocer, Feb 23, 2008 by David Stewart

Whet was your first ever job? Between school and university, I was o lab technician in a small oil service company in Aberdeen.

Give us o quick run down on your career to dote. After studying chemistry at Oxford, then o PHD in Birmingham, I joined Mars on its graduate scheme and entered sales and marketing, from where I've never looked back. After o spell at the Caudwell Group, as sales director responsible for supermarkets and high street retail channels, I joined Asda five years ago, heading up its electronics business, and I have now been category director for beers, wines and spirits for six months.

How did you get to where you ere today? Hard work, engaging with people end always keeping the end goal in mind.

What port has luck played in your career? I was very lucky to go into soles at Mars rather than the more technical route, which seemed logical at the time. I discovered a passion for retail and have never looked back.

What is the best decision you have mode in your career? Moving into retail. I enjoy the challenge of meeting customers' needs more than anything.

Who do you most admire in the industry? Allan Leighton. I was not lucky enough to work with him, but the changes he made to Asda were outstanding. Colleagues who did work with him all speak fondly of him, which is a sign of a great leader.

What is the most important piece of advice you have ever been told? Always cater for your customer--it is my golden rule.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? Turn the tables on some of the bad press that supermarkets often receive.

What is the most rewording part of your job? Seeing initiatives or products being embraced by customers and delivering good sales.

Do you think you'll always work in grocery? I think I will alwoys stay in retail/fmcg--there ore many challenges out there within grocery and beyond.

What advice would you give to someone starting out? Always keep the customer in mind and keep it simple.

How many hours do you work a week? Too many, but I try to leave before 6pm to spend time with my family. I prefer to finish off work later in the evening.