Hot Seat – Bryan Kinsella

Bryan Kinsella

What was your first job and how did you get into IT?

I haven’t taken a traditional route ­ – but maybe that has worked in my favour. I began my career as a trainee accountant with Royal Doulton and then GEC. I subsequently joined ICL as a management accountant and by 29, I was divisional controller and the youngest promoted executive. I then moved into project management, for which I have a natural flair. I was approached by Rentokil Initial to be its CIO, with the task of giving IT a much-needed facelift. In two years, we’ve made progress. Watch this space: there’ll be some big news coming out of Rentokil Initial soon.

Which IT vendor do you think has been the most influential in the past 20 years?

I would have to say Microsoft, in terms of setting precedents and bringing the power of technology to the PC through a simple interface. It has revolutionised the way we work.

Which technology would you most like to have invented?

A phone battery that never runs out. Incidentally, it is good to read that a standardised phone charger is about to be launched – ­ it’s about time, really.

Which mobile device do you use?

I am reliant on my BlackBerry ­ – and a spare battery.

How often do you check it?

Due to my global remit, constantly. In the first analysis I am a service provider and constantly try to excel. Or is it because I don’t know how to switch it off?

What technology would you save in a fire?

I’d have to say my BlackBerry –­ to ring for help. It’s not the time for email.

If you were not working in IT, what would you be doing?

Easy – ­ I would be an international rock star. European stardom would not be sufficient.