< PreviousCars have always featured in Keith Cooks life, so when the opportunity to add fleet to his portfolio arose, he jumped at it. Since then, he has run the fleet at technology firm Computacenter for 30 years KEITH COOK DEPUTY FINANCIAL CONTROLLER GROUP FINANCE OPERATIONS, COMPUTACENTER If money was no object, Id be a philanthropist. My favourite movie quote is Theres a time for daring and theres a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for. (Dead Poets Society) The advice I would give to my 18-year-old self is believe in yourself. Be your version of you, not anyone elses. Dream big and dare to fail. I might add that you may want to give 2020 a wide berth! Why fleet? Its the gift that keeps on giving but not always the gift you asked for! But thats the appeal no two days are the same. The industry evolves, like its own little universe. Theres no time for complacency. It presents opportunities in an industry filled with generous people only too keen to share. How I got here My father was an auto-electrician and I have fond memories of the oil smell in workshops that would be unrecognisable today. When a reorganisation came along, with the opportunity to add fleet to my portfolio, it was like meeting an old friend. Latest products, developments and achievements Most recently I completed a part time MSc, at the University of Hertfordshire, in Business and Organisational Strategy, conducting research into mobility. Cost optimisation has also featured heavily; . Currently Im looking at applications for robotic process automation (RPA). My company in three words Innovative, Innovative, Innovative Career influence Early in my career I had a manager, Linda Powell, who encouraged me to be curious and to treat everything as an opportunity. If I have to single out one person now it would be Colin Tourick, a wise Yoda, great lunch companion and source of many an inspiration. What makes a good MD? Ill tell you when I get there! I would say believe in your employees, have a clear vision and stretch people to be the best that they can be. If I wasnt in fleet I had to reset my password in the Apple store. The lady asked me the security question what job did you want to do when you were a child?. She prompted me with most guys put footballer or racing driver... I confessed, ballet dancer. The look on her face was priceless. So, Id be a racing driver, clearly! My hobbies and interests are the creative arts, cooking, education, psychology and family and social history. I dont watch TV. My pet hate is negative people. I am a Pollyanna. A book I would recommend to others is Alexs Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos My first memory associated with a car is a family holiday to Hastings in a split-screen Morris Minor. The song I would have on my driving playlist is More than Words, by Extreme THE LAST WORD Next issue: Ian Leonard, head of fleet operations at Yodel Delivery Network 58April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk If I were made transport minister for the day Id declare war on potholes get potholes done! Using the FREE guide and analysis service available from daimler-fleetfit.co.uk is the quickest and most comprehensive way to get a snapshot of your current fleet performance. Our consultative approach is designed to help mobility decision makers acquire a deeper understanding of their fleet and consider the multiple factors that affect their needs. Quickly pinpoint key areas for optimization and resolution Enhance your own strategies and internal planning with with help from our Fleet Fit coaches Get clear insight on how to tackle changing business needs and duty of care requirements Boost your Fleet Fitness INSIDE BACK PANELDFM_FN_Cover_wrap_AW_AG.indd 308/04/2020 15:03Where to get Started With our experts, unrivalled fleet and automotive heritage and an enhanced multi-marque capability no-one is better placed to ensure youre fleet fit and ready to move your business forward. The FREE Fleet Fit guide is a great place to start. Its designed to help you quickly identify and inspire some easy changes, so you can begin building a fitter, leaner and more agile fleet today. ©2020 Daimler Fleet Management, All Rights Reserved. Download your FREE copy today, visit daimler-fleetfit.co.uk Contact the Fleet Fit team at dfm-uk@daimler.com BACK PANELDFM_FN_Cover_wrap_AW_AG.indd 408/04/2020 15:03Next >