Name: John Xerri.

Title: Director, human resources, Xerox Europe.

School: Aylesbury Grammar School.

University: University of London, Goldsmiths' College.

Marital Status: Single.

Children: Three Jack Russells.

Home: Dublin and Madrid.

Most important life event: Falling in love - the first time.

Biggest business break: There have been two - being appointed as regional HR director for Southern Europe and so transferring to live and work in Madrid, and of course the Xerox start-up in Ireland. Always a case of being in the right place at the right time, I guess.

Biggest business mistake: Hiring the wrong person for the job is always a big mistake - particularly if you end up having to work with them. Time of getting up: 6.45 a.m.

Time of finishing work: 8 p.m. (subject, of course, to the requirements of the Working Time Act - 1997).

Favourite breakfast: Two cigarettes and a black coffee.

Form of exercise: Horseriding, and all too infrequent visits to the gym. Favourite Holiday place: Hotel Finca Bobadilla, Granada, Spain.

Favourite TV programme: Winning Streak.

Car: Audi.

Commuting time: 25 minutes in Dublin. One hour, 15 minutes to Dundalk.

Favourite airline: Iberia - they still have smoking seats and the best frequent flyer programme around.

Worst thing about travel: Running a mini-marathon to make tight connections between terminals at Heathrow as neither Iberia nor Aer Lingus choose to offer direct flights between Madrid and Dublin.

Favourite bank: Caja de Madrid, Bank of Ireland.

Favourite tipple: Ribera del Duero red wine, Whiskey Sours.

Favourite pub: The Front Lounge, Dublin.

Favourite restaurant: Trocadero Restaurant, Dublin.

How do you spend your free time: Making the most of it - with friends, with wine, with food.

Person you most admire: Oliver Reed.

Dying words: "I hope the next life will be as much fun as this one was. Thanks everyone."