Andy Brown

Director of national accounts and Ireland, Liberty Wines, on getting the party pumping, learning languages and his fear of cork

What was your first ever job? Paper boy and then a part-time assistant in the fruit & veg department of my local Waitrose.

What’s been your worst job interview? An interview for a telesales role for an industrial cleaning products company. I didn’t get the job but did get very sore feet from the new shoes I was wearing.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Swanning around drinking wine - why dispel the myth with the reality of emails, spreadsheets and meetings?

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working with a brilliant team and some great customers to help consumers enjoy better wine.

What is the least rewarding part? The aforementioned plethora of emails and meetings.

What is your motto? “If you grit your teeth and show real determination, you always have a chance” - Charlie Brown.

What’s your nickname? My colleagues suggest DJ Andy Brown as I have been known to “get the party pumping” with the odd tune or two.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Apart from an implant to make me better at languages, a proper wine cellar and a private jet, I’d say, dedicated time to read more.

What’s your favourite movie? The Blues Brothers - John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Carrie Fisher, Cab Calloway, John Lee Hooker, Aretha Franklin, car chases and great music…

Do you have any phobias? A fear of cork - the worry I have every time I open a bottle with a cork!

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Sir Dave Brailsford - the general manager of Team Sky. His mantra of ‘the aggregation of marginal gains’ is very relevant to us. He’d also motivate me to get out on a bike.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Consumer acceptance of Stelvin caps on high-end wines.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A turntable and a regular delivery of new music. Oh, and a girl Friday who could teach me to cook, learn Italian and keep me fit.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? I’m a cross between a beaver (hardworking, logical, thorough) and a honey bee (outgoing and like to be part of a team) - a honey beaver.