The A-List: 2008

Born

1st January 1963

Job

Chief executive

Company

Group M UK

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 7158 5004.

Address

124 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8RX

Fantasy business partner

Roman Abramovich.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

Turn off the lights.

Greatest influence

My family.

Clubs

Coombe Hill Golf Club.

Favourite gadget

BlackBerry.

Desert island objects

BlackBerry, my favourite chair, solar-powered Sky Sports TV.

Most-admired politician

Nelson Mandela, for his persistance and tenacity.

Favourite media

The Sunday Times, OK!, 24, Radio 5, Yahoo!.

Biggest risk taken

Buying my first home.

Perfect day

Saturday.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Bruce Willis. He has similar hairstyle.

Career highlights

Creating the UK's number-one media agency with my colleagues.

Hidden talent

FA-qualified football coach.

Best job outside advertising

Photographer.

Lowdown

Under Allan's leadership, Group M seems relentless in growing its range of services. Well connected, persuasive and determined, Allan is working hard to get the best out of its three media agencies.

Most expensive purchase

My wife's birthday present.

Why are you good at what you do?

I know how to listen.