The A-List: 2008

Job

Chief executive

Company

Lowe & Partners Worldwide

Work Telephone

(+1) 212 605 5677.

Address

New York, NY 10017

Fantasy business partner

Nicholas Negroponte.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

A hybrid car, recycle and turn down my air-conditioning.

Greatest influence

Eclecticism, especially in those whom you read about and listen to.

Clubs

Chicago Arts Club, Seawhanhaka Yacht Club, RAC, Babbington, MyTrybe.

Favourite gadget

Nokia E90.

Desert island objects

A piano, some oil paints and a case of Sassicaia.

Most-admired politician

Al Gore. He has taken the road less travelled on something fundamentally important to us all.

Favourite media

Financial Times, Wired, 30 Rock, NPR, Endgadget.

Biggest risk taken

Challenging the status quo in Japan with Beacon.

Perfect day

Sailing in 12 to 15 knots of wind along a beautiful coastline.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

My brother. He gets the best gigs.

Career highlights

Working with terrific people for 24 years, sharing success, from Grand Prixs to business wins to new ventures.

Fictional hero

Prospero.

Hidden talent

Perfect pitch.

Best job outside advertising

Clinical practice in mental health.

Lowdown

Gatfield has been in action-man mode this year. A global alliance with Scholz & Friends, leveraging Lowe's expertise in the Hispanic market and bolstering the network's presence in India have been among his key initiatives. However, Lowe's important New York operation remains problematic

Most expensive purchase

Jennifer Bartlett painting.

Why are you good at what you do?

I make things happen without breaking limbs or hearts.