Name: Daksh Gupta
Company: Accident Exchange Group plc
Job: Chief operating officer
Age: 36

How did you get in to the automotive business?
While doing my degree I cleaned cars at the local dealership. The owner asked if I would help at the weekends. Sold my first car on my first day and got hooked.

What does your job entail?
Managing the day-to-day operations of the business.

How will your job change over the next few years?
My role is operational now but will become more strategic.

Other jobs?
I joined Accident Exchange in January from Inchcape, which I joined in 2000. Before that, I was a general manager with the Camden Retail Group.  

What advice would you give to people planning to join the industry?
Be passionate about your customers, your people, your business.

What’s the worst career move you’ve ever made?
Don’t think I have made one yet.

And the best?
Joining the automotive industry – where else can you have fun, learn so many skills, make as many friends and get rewarded?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Taking Accident Exchange into the FTSE250.

Favourite book
Top Man, by Philip Green.

Favourite holiday
Safari in Kenya.

Favourite film
Casino, The Godfather, Goodfellas – all mob films.

Favourite music
Dance music.

First car
A yellow Datsun Cherry.

Dream car
Ferrari F430 Spider.

Luxury item
My hot tub.