The A-List: 2008

Born

1st January 1962

Job

Joint managing director

Company

BJK&E

Work Telephone

+44 (0)20 7025 3900.

Address

London, WC1A 2SL

Fantasy business partner

Leonardo da Vinci.

How do you off-set your carbon footprint?

Not as much as I should.

Greatest influence

Helen Weisinger and Tottenham Hotspur. They both play with a swagger.

Clubs

MCC.

Favourite gadget

iPod speakers.

Desert island objects

Helen, Ceci and Barney.

Most-admired politician

Nelson Mandela.

Favourite media

The Guardian, Word, The Sopranos, Radio Five Live, YouTube.

Biggest risk taken

Travelling in rural China in 1986.

Perfect day

10 May 2009, The Emirates, near a former rubbish dump, London N7. Spurs beat Arsenal 2-1 to clinch the Premier League.

Who should play you in the film of your life?

Hugh Laurie, apparently.

Career highlights

Lintas, Billett & Company; Yellowhammer; Generator; RPM3; BJK&E.

Fictional hero

Derek "Del Boy" Trotter.

Hidden talent

If I told you, then it would no longer be hidden.

Best job outside advertising

Door-to-door salesman.

Lowdown

Irwin's agency is somehow maintaining its position within the mighty Group M as a small, niche player. It might not make a great deal if noise within the market, but its work for the likes of Mercedes and the Financial Times remains of a high standard.

Most expensive purchase

Engagement ring.

Why are you good at what you do?

I surround myself with more intellligent people than me.