The V3 Hot Seat: Google UK head of enterprise Thomas Davies

Thomas Davies is the head of Google's enterprise business for the UK, a role he has held since 2007.

Davies has previously worked at other major firms including SAP as a systems integrator and prior to working for Google was at Vignette, working as a sales manager in South Africa.

V3 recently interviewed Davies to discuss the firm's various enterprise strategies, focusing on key areas including big data, collaboration and mobile.

Davies is the latest high-profile executive to take part in V3's Hot Seat after the likes of Canonical chief executive Jane Silber, Fujitsu UK chief executive Duncan Tait and Bletchley Park chief executive Iain Standen.

V3: What would be your dream job (apart from your current role, of course)?

Thomas Davies: Coaching the Welsh rugby team. I'm a passionate rugby fan and have just started taking my eldest boy to the Millennium stadium in Cardiff on match days when we can.

Which key websites do you have bookmarked at work?

In my role it's important to be up to date with the latest technology, economic, and business commentary - having industry insight that is up to date and relevant is critical. I use my phone to access aggregated news across all these themes and am regularly content snacking from lots of different sources; this week StatCounter and Gartner, both bookmarked

Which mobile phone and/or tablet devices do you currently use?

My everyday device is my Galaxy Nexus, I also use a MacBook Air and Chromebook, and Nexus 7 Tablet. I'm fortunate enough to have early access to some great new devices as they come onto the market, because of that I've always got something new to play with and test.

Which person do you most admire in the IT industry?

I admire anyone in IT that can look beyond the moment and inspire people to do great things. If I were to choose one person from the technology industry it would be Eric Schmidt - he is genuine, self effacing and is an outstanding leader.

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

My smartphone - without doubt, the always-on access to supercomputers via a browser is truly impactful. Being able to access, edit and have video calls on the move has been great for productivity.

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

Easy - building the strongest team in the industry here at Google Enterprise. I'm often complimented on the talent and expertise we have here. Our customers want to engage with smart people with a great attitude.

What was your first job in the industry?

At an e-commerce start-up in 1998. The company provided the transaction fulfilment between websites and financial institutions. I worked for a tough MD who taught me a lot: nothing replaces hard graft and practice, ever.

What's your favourite thing about working in the IT industry?

We're at an inflection point in the industry, one that we've not seen for 20 years. Cloud, mobile, social and big data technologies are providing an opportunity for companies to deliver technical, business and cultural value this is transformative.

The energy and enthusiasm to take advantage of these trends has recalibrated the value IT can bring to companies, especially those that have chief executives who want to drive organic growth by becoming more innovative. This is a once in a decade opportunity for many.