Name: Andy Hearn
Company: Mini UK
Job: General manager
Age 51

How did you get into the automotive business?
Saw an advert for a trainee manager with BMW and never looked back.

What does your job entail?
Development of the Mini brand in the UK, maximising sales opportunities whilst delivering customer delight. Also maximising dealer profitability and thus securing their future investment in the brand.

How will your job change over the next few years?
Preparing for the extension of the Mini family and the increasing focus on reduced CO2 emissions.

Other jobs?
In 30 years with the BMW brand I’ve had loads of great jobs, including a stint in aftersales regional management, time as advertising manager and, as BMW national sales manager, taking new car sales past 100,000 units for the first time.

What advice would you give to people planning to join the industry?
Know what you want and go for it. Hard work gets rewarded in more ways than one.

What is the worst career move you’ve ever made?
I’ve never had a bad one – they’ve all given me what I want.

And the best?
The last move to GM of Mini. The brand is cool, the people are great and the future bright. What more could I want?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully playing loads more golf – I’ll be retired!

Favourite book
Anything by Frederick Forsyth.

Favourite holiday
Rio de Janeiro at carnival time.

Favourite film
The Shawshank Redemption.

First car
A Mini, of course – one with wet footwells!

Dream car
Always wanted a Ferrari Dino.