Name: Neil Hipkiss
Company: XPart (A division of Caterpillar Logistics UK Ltd)
Job Materials: Director
Age: 48

How did you get into the automotive business?
As engineering apprentice at British Leyland, Longbridge.

What does your job entail?
Among other things, sourcing OE spec parts for MG Rovers.

How will your job change over the next few years?
Oursourcing from China is increasing and this will continue.

Previous jobs?
Numerous management roles in accounting, treasury and finance within the various incarnations of BL, JRT, Rover Group and MG Rover up to 2004.

What advice would you give to young people joining the industry?
Don’t be afraid of change, embrace it.

What’s the worst career move you’ve ever made?
Some have been better than others, but all experience and learning builds character.

And the best?
Hopefully, the next.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Looking back over the previous 10 years and thinking “I have made a positive difference”.

Favourite book
Any travelogue by Paul Theroux.

Favourite holiday
Cottage in Cornwall, Dorset, Isle of Wight or Northumberland.

Favourite film
Master and Commander.

Favourite music
Classic rock (1965-1975) and classic classics (Mozart, Bach, Scarlatti).

First car
A Princess 1800 I inherited from my father, very 1970s.

Dream car
Jaguar XK120, drophead coupé, silver paint, red leather trim, chrome spoked wheels.

Luxury item
iPod Touch.