How many staff do you manage?
We’re not big; my team is three people covering all IT functions. We’ve recently outsourced our infrastructure, which resulted in team size and role changes.

What does your job entail?
The role now is very different from when I started at Augustus, which was known as Julius Baer Investments Limited before a management buy-out. This recent change has had a significant impact on IT. We are now responsible for all aspects of IT whereas in the previous organisation the parent company administered a number of key functions. It’s a varied and interesting role, ranging from implementing new systems and changes, to taking care of routine support calls. In summary, each day is different, which is why I enjoy it so much.

How did you get into the IT profession?
I did a Computer Studies course and then became a Fortran programmer. It seems such a long time ago.

Which web sites do you have bookmarked at work?
Nothing unusual, CNN, BBC, TimesOnline, Finextra and a few personal web sites.

How often do you check your BlackBerry?
Very frequently, I am addicted. I do tend to check before I go to bed and usually log back on in the morning during the daily commute.

Which technology has had the biggest impact on your working life?
Client/server technology, which has become the most viable option in all aspects – cost, performance, availability – compared with mainframe technology.

What keeps you awake?
We’ve just finished a huge project that kept me awake more nights than I’d like to count. However, it all went very smoothly and I’m happy to report sleep is almost back to my normal pattern.

Is now a good time for people to enter the UK IT profession?
Yes it is. Every organisation depends to some degree on IT to conduct its core daily business. As IT innovations emerge, businesses have to change and adapt, and IT people are required to make this happen.