The A-List: 2008

Born

10th February 1957

Job

Chief executive

Company

The Economist Group

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 7830 7001.

Address

25 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1HG

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

Driving less. Trees.

Greatest influence

Being born in Switzerland.

Clubs

Too discreet to say.

Favourite gadget

A snazzy corkscrew.

Desert island objects

Loo paper, complete works of Charles Dickens, good bed.

Most-admired politician

Christine Lagarde in France, because she became a politician late.

Favourite media

The Economist, FT, Ugly Betty, Radio 4, Economist.com.

Biggest risk taken

Joining The Economist.

Perfect day

Starts with two cappuccinos.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Meryl Streep.

Career highlights

Being in the same organisation so long.

Fictional hero

Indiana Jones.

Hidden talent

Understanding Russian.

Best job outside advertising

Working in a food shop.

Lowdown

The fact Alexander has been at the helm of The Economist for more than a decade is testament to the confidence the board has in her. Associates speak highly of her skill at managing budgets and sound business brain.

Most expensive purchase

A holiday.

Why are you good at what you do?

Ask my team.