It’s no surprise Warren is hailing float
FORMER Goldmanite Alasdair Warren, who helped float Saga and Merlin Entertainment, plies his trade at Deutsche Bank nowadays, but his silver tongue is still as smooth as ever.
The chromedomed investment bank chief popped up on TV hailing the merits of scandal-hit Uber. “I think the prospects of executing an IPO remain extremely good,” he said “When that business wants to come to market, there will be a very, very strong demand for it.” In the words of
Mrs Merton, what could the fee-hungry investment banker possibly see in a multi-billiondollar stock-market float cand
idate?
to dust ourselves down and get on with it. It was frustrating as we’d spent lots of time showing people round the business while ensuring trading was still strong. Ironically, Virgin Money was founded on parts of the old Northern Rock.
How do you manage your work-life balance? ?
For 20 years I’ve been coming down to London by train from Monday to Friday and travelling home to Northumberland for the weekends. I spend them with my family and enjoy playing golf with my nine-yearold son who is “quite handy”. I play off a handicap of eight at the beautiful Goswick links course near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Any tips for those starting out?
There’s no such thing as an easy job. Hard work and attitude is key. And never lose sight of the people who work for you. That’s the DNA of a business.
How important is Sir Richard Branson’s ethos?
He talks about learning from the best and taking your chances and I definitely agree with that. We’ve met a few times. He’s very entertaining, charming, challenging and disruptive. He is one of the country’s true pioneers.