How did you get to where you are today?

I started out at SmithKline Beecham as a territory manager before moving into marketing with a role on Lucozade Sport. After a break from the food industry with Energizer batteries, I joined HP Foods in 2005 and, following the acquisition of HP by Heinz, I am helping bring HP Sauce and Lea & Perrins into the stable of Heinz brands.

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

Starting my career in a sales role. It gave me some solid business skills and insight which have helped me ever since.

Who do you admire in the grocery industry?

Those at SmithKline Beecham who were prepared to take the risk of investing in Lucozade Sport back in 1999, when the brand was stagnating. Its success shows what you can do with a brand if you give it a clear positioning and investment.

Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career?

Bill Bogie, former chief executive officer of Medeva, is someone I've always admired for overcoming challenges and building a hugely successful career, without losing his unique character.

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

Being told a quote by Henry Ford - "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing your newly launched product in a consumer's shopping trolley. Our new HP Sauce Top Down bottle arrives in retailers this month. The hard work in driving projects through to completion becomes worthwhile when you see people buying it.

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

A bacon sandwich covered in HP Sauce on a Friday morning.

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

Don't get stuck in a silo. To make a career in marketing you have got to see things through the eyes of the sales team, the retailer, and the consumer.

What do you like doing when you're not working?

Spending time with my family and trying to teach my two-year-old son Dominic to support Swindon Town Football Club and not Chelsea or Manchester United.

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

Looking back on being part of a real transformation of the Heinz business in the UK, which was driven by fantastic marketing activity and some ground-breaking innovation.