Razin Ali, Sunmagic brand manager, on Bananarama, McDonald's and Harold & Kumar


What was your first ever job? A paper round with very early starts.

Describe your career to date in 25 words. I started in marketing then moved into sales. I have worked for Masterfoods, Highland Spring, Hadham Water and I am now NAM and brand manager for Sunmagic.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Fun, exciting and serious at times.

What is the worst job you've ever had? Compacting rubbish at McDonald's.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I'd like to see more green alternatives.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the results come in. We've worked tremendously hard this year on Sunmagic and we're up 38% year-on-year.

What is the least rewarding part? Rubbish freebies.

If you weren't in grocery, where would you work? I love selling, so I'd be out there selling something.

What's your best interview tip? Turn up at the correct location and on time.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope still to be involved with Sunmagic. The work in the past 18 to 24 months is now paying off, so I want to see where we are in the next few years.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A gym at work.

What is your motto in life? Work hard and see what happens.

What do you like to do outside work? I have a young family; my two boys seem to like fighting, so separating them takes up most of my time.

What's your nickname? Razor; I don't know why!

What was the first music single you bought? A Bananarama single.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I'm not sure, but I wanted to live and work in the US.

What's your favourite film? The Harold & Kumar movies are hilarious, although not ones to watch with the kids.

What has been your most embarrassing moment? Once again, being a rubbish compactor at McDonald's.

Do you have any phobias? A world without Sunmagic.

Which celebrity would you pick to join your staff? Rafael Benitez he's always talking about working hard and showing character. As I support Liverpool, I could advise him on Liverpool players and get tickets.

What would you request as your final meal? Shark fin soup on a beach in Barbados watching Liverpool winning the Premier League.

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