The A-List: 2008

Job

Managing director, BBC Magazines

Company

BBC Worldwide

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 8433 3552.

Address

London, W12 0TT

Clubs

Soho House, Eton Triathlon Club.

Favourite gadget

My BlackBerry. I know, boring.

Favourite media

The Guardian, BBC History, Desperate Housewives; Radio 4; bbc.co.uk.

Career highlights

Chief executive, BBC Worldwide Americas, 1998 to 2001; managing director, BBC Magazines, 2001 to present.

Hidden talent

Playing jazz piano.

Best job outside advertising

Selling hats on Paignton beach.

Lowdown

Under the eye of "Phippo" BBC Magazines has turned in some pretty strong performances this year, especially on BBC Top Gear, Gardeners' World, Easy Cook and Olive. In his spare time, he can still tinkle the ivories with a lightness of touch that would make even Elton John proud.

Why are you good at what you do?

I'm passionate.