Name: Des Thornton.

Title: Finance director, HewlettPackard.

Marital status: Married to Sandra.

Children: Three - William, Michael and Joseph.

Home: Ballsbridge.

Most important life event: Meeting Sandra.

Biggest business break: Joining Hewlett-Packard.

Biggest business mistake: Staying in private practice too long.

Time of getting up: 6.15 a.m.

Time of finishing work: 6 p.m. (Unless teleconference to US then 1.30 a.m.).

Favourite breakfast: Fresh fruit.

Form of exercise: Gym, tennis and golf.

Favourite TV programme: Any current affairs programme.

Favourite radio programme: The Last Word.

Commuting time: 45 minutes.

Favourite airline: Singapore Airlines.

Worst thing about travel: Commute from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Heathrow.

Favourite pub: The Merrion Inn.

Favourite restaurant: Baan Thai, Ballsbridge.

How do you spend your free time: With my family.

Dying words: It's been a good life all in all.