The A-List: 2008

Job

Group managing director Leo Burnett and Arc

Company

Leo Burnett London

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 7071 1175.

Address

Warwick Building, Kensington Village, Avonmore Road, London, W14 8HQ

Fantasy business partner

My wife, Emma Lawson.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

First agency head to appoint the extreme eco-consultant The Green Man.

Greatest influence

My grandfather.

Clubs

The Rex Cinema & Bar Club, The Hoist.

Favourite gadget

A GPS thing that works out your running stats on the move (unfortunately, it's still in its box).

Desert island objects

My cello, Bible, a small portable altar.

Most-admired politician

Ken Livingstone. I like watching cabbies get really wound up about him.

Favourite media

The Guardian, Private Eye, Dexter, Radio 4, wikipedia.

Biggest risk taken

Unequivocally establishing the top speed of my Honda CBR 1000 creamy lux missile.

Perfect day

An open-day visit to a fire station with Sam and Grace Lawson.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Rik Mayall as Alan B'Stard (he's got the same goggle eyes).

Career highlights

Started at ABM as a media planner; moved into account management; became an account planner for a bit. Along the way, I passed through GGT and Lowe; wrote a Carling TV ad during my eight years at WCRS; went to London Business School; ran a brand consultancy. Now enjoying Leo Burnett.

Fictional hero

John Self from Money by Martin Amis.

Hidden talent

Being able to eat spicier food than anybody else.

Best job outside advertising

William Hill trainee manager.

Lowdown

An energetic, compelling presenter, slightly unhinged and with a dirty mouth best describes Lawson. Will work well with John Burley, the newly promoted executive creative director, and has raised the agency's new business credentials.

Most expensive purchase

The extreme performance upgrade I subsequently did to my car.

Why are you good at what you do?

I always find something to get excited about.