Getting to know your Consultant
Interview with Duncan Hoggett, Head of Utilities Practice
Q: How did you get into Interim Management?
I've worked in recruitment for several years originally with Michael Page and then with ECHM. I always enjoyed the fast pace of contract recruitment and I saw an increasing use of interims by businesses. Although I see it as a natural progression it is important to draw a distinction between contract and interim recruitment as the two are very distinct.
Q: What do you find most satisfying about your career?
Meeting people who have made a real impact in the industries they have worked. The range of talent is impressive too, from an interim who has turned a failing business round to programme managers delivering real change in headline making businesses.
Q: What qualities do you look for in an interim management candidate?
Adaptability and a passion for the businesses and sector they work in.
Q: How can clients get the most out of working with IP?
Regular clear communications really does improve our ability, and that of our interim's, to meet a client's requirements. It may not seem worthwhile when there isn't an immediate need however maintaining regular contact, a meeting or call, helps develop relationships and our ability to react decisively.
Q: What would you say are the key challenges for your clients in the utilities sector? How can Interim Management help?
Utility and Energy businesses have to meet with both market and regulatory pressures. For traditional utility firms the changing ownership structures and regulatory requirements impact all areas and I am seeing a great degree of change across Finance, Systems, HR and Operations. There is a real effort to drive through performance improvements and this is where utility businesses can exploit the flexible resource offered by interim management. Interim Managers are often viewed as an expensive resource for short term issues. A good Interim Manager will deliver results beyond the short term and ensure the business has the capacity to deliver by itself making them an incredibly cost effective solution.
Q: Favourite destination?
Italy
Q: Best restaurant/favourite food?
Any Italian food - especially authentic Pizza
Q: Which three people would you have round for dinner?
Will Self, George W Bush, Vladimir Putin
Q: Three favourite albums/artists?
Changes from month to month but at present anything by AHA or Jeff Beck more recently Amy Winehouse's latest offering - very good.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Dynasties: Fortune and Misfortune in the World's Great Family Businesses by David Landes
Q: What are your ambitions?
Professionally, to become the Interim Provider of choice across the sector for both interims and clients.
Personally, this summer I am hoping to complete the three peaks challenge - Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in 24 hours ... we'll see.