Finance director, Findel

Tim Kowalski

What was your first job in retailing?

Corporate finance analyst at Burton during the Ralph Halpern era. I started just as the Debenhams hostile takeover was heating up and it was a baptism of fire.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Tesco for tremendous customer focus and for the sustainable growth achieved over the past 15 years to become a global retailer.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

Eating too much chocolate in the office.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Customers. They continually surprise and test you.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Make sure you have a passion for whatever you want to do.

What keeps you awake at night?

My baby girl, who is five months old.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Building winning teams.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Helping to save thousands of people’s jobs in the last three companies in which I have been involved – Findel, Homestyle and HomeForm.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

Lead guitarist in a rock band but the riffs were not up to scratch.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge for the great product, service and all-round experience.

What was your last purchase?

Man United Champions League final shirt from Kitbag, our sports business. The shirt was great but the result was not.