Best presenter you’ve ever seen:
As a presenter, Michael Johnson. If presenting was an Olympic event, he would add to his Olympic
golds.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
I still think about the Nike ‘Cage’ advert to this day. I loved it so much I had a poster of it in my childhood room back in the day. Everything about it was class from the concept, the music, the players and use of Eric Cantona.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
I really like what the Twenty First Group are doing and especially enjoyed listening to their Unofficial Partner Podcast on competition formats (shout-out to Unofficial Partner Podcast!)
Best young industry talent:
There is so much I don’t think I can single out one person. But I do genuinely think at Portas Consulting we have so much young talent. It makes for a truly inspiring workplace
Best sporting event attended:
2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National hands down. The atmosphere on the first tee-off was electric, I don’t think I could ever top that.
Best sporting event on TV:
Again Ryder Cup, but in particular the last day of 2012 Ryder Cup ‘Miracle at Medinah’. Seeing the team channelling their inner Seve and Ollie lifting that trophy still gives me goosebumps.
Best brand ambassador:
Marcus Rashford. Having previously worked at Man United, it was amazing seeing all the support he provided during COVID to address food poverty
Best industry event or conference:
FT Business of Football Summit
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Not a film, but I binged-watched the BBC tv series ‘Fever Pitch’ about the formation for the Premier League. I loved seeing the backroom deals.
Best book recommendation:
Linking to the above, I really enjoyed ‘The Club: How the Premier League Became the Richest, Most
Disruptive Business in Sport’. Non-sports book, I couldn’t put down ‘Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a
Silicon Valley Startup’ about the rise and fall of Theranos.
Best bar or pub:
Easy, my local in Tonbridge the ‘Foresters Arms’. It is just the perfect local with great staff, pizzas, drinks (especially their Singapore Slings) and atmosphere.
Best restaurant:
I know it isn’t strictly a restaurant, but I would rather go to my local pub I mentioned the ‘Foresters Arms’ for pizzas and cocktails.
Best holiday resort:
Val-d'Isère ski resort
Best box set:
I am really into my politics so would say a toss-up between ‘House of Cards’ or ‘The Thick of It’. Might have to go with ‘The Thick of It’ because of Malcolm Tucker’s sweary one-liners
Best influence on your career:
Probably Chris Kendry who gave me my first chance to break into the sports and media industry at Sony Pictures Entertainment
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
Robert Kennedy, The Queen, Tiger Woods and David Attenborough
Best job in the sports biz:
Head of Sports Investments at one of the big PE funds,
Best professional regret:
Don’t really have any, use any failures as a learning opportunity.
Best skill you most covet:
The ability to hold an audience
Best trait you admire in others:
As above.
Best overrated virtue:
Being ‘busy’
Best ambition:
Play a round of golf at Augusta