The A-List: 2008

Job

Chief operating officer

Company

Group M UK

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 7158 5500.

Address

124 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8RX

Fantasy business partner

Stephen Allan.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

With gusto.

Greatest influence

Group M senior management (all).

Clubs

Royal Mid Surrey, Soho House, Park Club.

Favourite gadget

Sky+ HD.

Desert island objects

Fridge, TV, radio.

Most-admired politician

Don't admire any.

Favourite media

The Times, Golf Monthly, Sky Sports, LBC/BBC.

Biggest risk taken

Leaving BMP media department.

Perfect day

Mixture of family, golf, dinner with friends.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Jack Nicholson.

Career highlights

MindShare, Group M UK.

Fictional hero

Superman.

Hidden talent

Cooking.

Best job outside advertising

Milkman.

Lowdown

In the past, Theakstone's high energy approach has led people, not least media owners, to compare him to Tigger, the irrepressible but sometimes guileless character in A A Milne's children's stories. He has, however, been acquiring more than a little gravitas in his role as the UK's most powerful media negotiator.

Most expensive purchase

Watch.

Why are you good at what you do?

Passionate and focused.