Alex  - Head of M&A and Integration, Humly UK

1. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Diligent, Straightforward, Honest, Loyal, Altruistic.

2. How long have you worked for Humly?
In my new capacity since January 2023.

3. Can you describe what you do day-to-day?
I am responsible for driving the Humly M&A strategy, acquiring and integrating new companies into the Humly group. So my day can vary from contacting prospective sellers, negotiating deals and reviewing due diligence to working with new acquisitions to integrate into Humly, which involves working with every department within the company.

4. What’s the most challenging part of your job, and how do you usually challenge it?
Probably organising my time. My role is so varied, deciding what to do and when can be difficult. I tend to use time blocking to divide my day into blocks of time in my calendar, dedicating time to work on a set task and then moving on to the next one.

5. From your experiences as a Quality Compliance Support at Humly, what do you believe are some of the most essential skills or attributes needed to thrive in this role?
You have to be able to work autonomously and independently and be a problem solver, especially during integrations as anything can come up! On the acquisitions side an element of sales and negotiation skills are necessary but I find being honest and transparent goes a long way, which is the approach I like to take.

6. What’s one professional achievement you’re most proud of?
I was managing director of my family business that we sold to Humly in 2022. Growing the company for over 12 years and then leading the project from the sell side of M&A for my family made me very proud. It also has helped me in my current role for Humly having perspectives from both sides of the M&A process.

7. What do you do outside of work to unwind?
I play golf. Whether you can call that unwinding I am not sure, depends on how I am playing!

8. Where is your favourite travel destination?
That is a tough one. My wife and I recently ticked off travelling to every continent (other than Antarctica, I’m not counting that!) when we travelled around South America this summer. I can’t pick a favourite place but South Africa and Thailand would be up the top of the list.

9. Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Another tough one, I’m not sure I am that interesting. I skydived in Australia when I was young and carefree, jumping out of a plane at 14,000ft was interesting to say the least.