Dr Thomas Heyn, Partner and co-founder of Jack Russell Consulting / AltoPartners Germany

Thomas has a PhD in labour law and is a member of the German bar, but is equally at home talking all things tech, having spent his corporate career in senior roles for blue-chip tech companies. A global business enthusiast with an entrepreneurial mindset, Thomas’s unique perspective makes him a trusted confidante within AltoPartners and among his many clients. He loves nothing more than an invigorating discussion followed by a brisk walk in the foothills of the Alps where he currently lives, accompanied by Whoppi, the poodle.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN, AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I was born in Leipzig, at that time part of East Germany. My parents escaped to West Germany, and sometime later my grandparents managed to get me out. Since then, I have lived and worked in several cities around the world. These days home is a 17th-century farmhouse in the Bavarian countryside, between Salzburg and Munich.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AND WHY?

Initially, I thought I would follow in my father’s footsteps and become an engineer but it soon became apparent that I had neither the talent nor the inclination to become a credit to the engineering profession. Fortunately, I found my niche in law – it proved the perfect springboard for a career in what was then a fledgling IT industry.

FIRST JOB?

Company attorney with Hewlett Packard. At that time it was not only a leading technology firm product-wise but also at the cutting edge in terms of management style and culture.

FIRST CAR?

A vintage Volkswagen Beetle

CURRENT CAR?

A VW California bus

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

How poorly the also-ran candidates tend to be treated in this industry.

BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK?

Leaving a well-paid job with Oracle and a load of stock options to become a headhunter and an entrepreneur.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ON A BAD DAY?

A coffee and a chat with my colleagues. And then, of course, there’s music.

MY MOST REDEEMING QUALITY IS… pragmatism. It makes me decisive and creative.

I HAVE LEARNED TO COME TO TERMS WITH…The fact that my wife will always be the better golfer.

WHAT’S THE THING THAT PEOPLE ARE MOST SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

For a lawyer and a tech guy, I am surprisingly good at marketing campaigns.

IN THE LAST MONTH, WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING CONVERSATION YOU HAVE HAD?

The beauty of my job and my network is that I have wonderful conversations every day. Recently I chatted with a friend who is producing Verdi’s Otello at a German opera house, and grappling with how to portray a universal story of love and betrayal in a fresh, new way.

LAST (OR MOST LOVED) HOLIDAY?

The Ligurian coastline. Golf in Garlenda followed by an Apéro in Alassio and dinner near the beach. Perfection.

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE PAST YEAR?

I have three newspapers on my iPad: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, The New York Times, and Neue Zürcher Zeitung. It’s all I can do to get through them.

WHAT HAVE YOU BINGE-WATCHED RECENTLY?

I don’t watch series. But I love a good movie.

BEST GADGET?

My BMW 1250 adventure road bike. Who needs a sportscar when you can ride a motorbike?

HOW DO YOU RELAX AND UNWIND?

Meeting friends, walking and skiing in the Alps, riding my motorbike, and enjoying the savoir-vivre.

CHARITY/ CAUSE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

Organisations that coach and support young people, helping them to overcome adversity and develop their talents.

I HAVE A COLLECTION OF… music – actual vinyl LPs and crates of CDs.

IN MY FRIDGE, YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND… the ingredients for an excellent pasta with good bottles of Italian and Austrian white wine to accompany it.