The V3 Hot Seat: Fujitsu UK chief executive Duncan Tait

Duncan Tait was appointed the chief executive of Fujitsu UK and Ireland in April 2011, having run the company's private sector business for around a year.

Before joining Fujitsu, Tait was managing director of Unisys UK, Middle East and Africa business, and before that he worked at HP.

Tait follows other IT industry luminaries in the V3 Hot Seat including Canonical chief executive Jane Silber and Dell EMEA president Aongus Hegarty.

Which mobile phone and tablet do you currently use?

I use my Fujitsu STYLISTIC M532 tablet every day. It's an Android device that, unlike other tablets on sale today, has additional built-in security features that make it perfect for business professionals and organisations that place an importance on security. But my kids tend to relieve me of it as soon as I get home.

I'm also trialling a Fujitsu smartphone. We have a very successful mobile business in Japan, and we're working on the modifications required to successfully launch them in Europe.

Which person do you most admire in the IT industry?

I have a great deal of admiration for anyone who has worked their way up an organisation without following the traditional academic route. One of my colleagues, Andy Payne, who runs our Engineering Services division, started his career at Fujitsu as an apprentice 26 years ago. He proves that you can progress no matter what your education background, and is a great inspiration for our new apprentices.

Which technology has had the biggest impact on your working life?

Mobile phone technology, without a doubt. It's transformed the way we all work – and the speed at which we can respond to customers.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?

Delivering revenue growth and profit growth within my first year as chief executive of Fujitsu UK and Ireland.

What was your first job?

I worked in my parents' newsagents in North Wales, which taught me three things about running a successful business: delivering great customer service, treating staff with respect and being a good neighbour. Those values are as important to me now as they were then.