The A-List: 2008

Born

1st January 1960

Job

Chief executive

Company

Havas

Work Telephone

+34 93 306 8900.

Address

Doctor Fleming Street, N17, Barcelona, 8017

Fantasy business partner

My wife.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

Havas is the first global communications group to become carbon neutral in six of its key markets. It has instigated a programme of carbon emissions reduction, and has been assessed and approved as a holder of the ZeroCO2 certification of carbon neutrality after having calculated and off-set its main carbon emissions in 2006.

Greatest influence

My family.

Clubs

Cercle del Liceu.

Favourite gadget

My BlackBerry.

Desert island objects

I would prefer not to be deserted on an island (at least for not more than a couple of weeks).

Most-admired politician

President of Switzerland, because she works a lot, is very efficient, does a good job, and few people know who she is.

Favourite media

The Guardian, Harper's Magazine, iCat FM Barcelona, I don't watch much TV.

Biggest risk taken

I once rescued a trapped horse from a rising tide and we both almost drowned.

Perfect day

A September day by the sea in Cadaques with my family.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Marcelo Mastroianni.

Career highlights

Manufacturers Hanover Trust, head of capital markets Barcelona, 1985; head of corporate banking, Banesto, 1989; chief executive of investment banking, Banesto, 1990; chief executive, media planning, 1994, chief executive, Media Planning Group,1999, chief executive, Havas, 2006 to present.

Fictional hero

Tintin.

Hidden talent

It's a secret.

Best job outside advertising

I wasn't a bad banker or a bad barman, either.

Lowdown

An intensely private (and inordinately wealthy) individual, Rodes Vila was reportedly given the top job at Havas as a reward for using his stake to help Vincent Bollore gain control. Allegedly one of the powers behind the throne at Barcelona Football Club.

Most expensive purchase

A painting I love.

Why are you good at what you do?

I can create consensus among people.