Graham Provest (42), General manager, Motorpoint Glasgow

 

How did you get into the automotive business?
I was looking for a new challenge.

What does your job entail?
The day to day running of all aspects of a very busy site, managing a staff of 35 people and striving to deliver a sales performance and customer service second to none.

How will your job change?
The market place has changed already, largely because of the credit crunch, and the likelihood is that it will be increasingly driven by the need for value for money. My role will be to manage this change.

Previous jobs?
I spent 20 years in the drinks industry before going to BSkyB as divisional manager.

What advice would you give to young people joining the industry?
Be customer focused and be ambitious.

What’s the worst career move you’ve ever made?
At Diageo I went from sales to brand management. I quickly realised that sales was my thing.

And the best?
Joining Motorpoint.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Still with Motorpoint, working in a new and developing sector of the business.

Favourite book
Hamlet.

Favourite holiday
Cape Town in South Africa.

Favourite film
The Beach.

Favourite music
Depends on mood.

First car
An Escort Mark 2.

Dream car
V8 Range Rover Sport.

Luxury item
Helicopter (to avoid the congestion on the M8)