Peter Hopley
Head of Sales, EMEA
With more than 20 years background in the software and services industries, Peter has worked at companies including Oracle, Kaplan IT and BaaN, helping customers achieve business value in their software investments.
Peter is a first class sales leader who motivates and mentors his UK-based sales team, leading by example, he has developed a winning mentality based on developing business value, trusted relationships and a solid sales process.
He has a strong background in enterprise application sales and holds an outstanding track record in sales success and revenue growth. Peter has particular strength in opening and developing new markets and building collaborative alliances and strong partnerships, to maximise market potential and generate revenue.
Understanding customers’ pain points and building strong relationships based on mutual trust and credibility is a core philosophy of his. Peter is also a very engaging presenter and well respected industry specialist, a regular presenter on QualityMattersTV and has been a guest speaker at numerous seminars, conferences and industry events.
With three children all under the age of 15, Peter leads a very active home life coaching his son’s rugby teams and having tea parties with his young daughter.
Network with Peter Hopley on Linked-In at: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/peter-hopley/4/9b/233
An interview with Peter
Q - What is the best business lesson you've learnt and how did you learn it?
A - Relationships of any kind are based on trust and fulfilment of promises, being open and honest. This is true in business more than anywhere. It can take years of patience to build solid relationships and can take just moments to compromise. Good relationships are absolutely essential for long term business success.
Q - Who do you most admire and why?
A - Steve Redgrave. In five separate Olympic Games, over the span of two decades, he was able to rise to the challenge of winning Olympic Gold. Despite the medical and physical challenges that come with Diabetes, his sheer grit and determination allowed him to achieve his goals. He is a great ambassador for British sport.
Q - What do you like to do in your spare time?
A - My weekends are very family based and we spend most of the time doing outbound and sporting activities. I coach Rugby at Bracknell Rugby Club and am lucky enough to coach both age groups that my young sons fall into. It’s great to be able to support and encourage them to fulfil their potential.
Q - I couldn't live without?
A - Real Ale. There is nothing better than spending a few hours supping some of the delicious fine ales this country has to offer in a cosy, traditional English pub. My favourites are Hobgoblin, Marstons Pedigree and Old Thumper. So I’m sure you can imagine how delighted I was when we managed to sign Marstons up as a customer account
Q - Cheese and wine or a pint and crisps?
A - A Pint and Peanuts. Salted not Dry Roasted!
Q - Who in your opinion was the best James Bond?
A - Without a doubt Sean Connery, but closely followed by Daniel Craig. I think he’ll develop to be an amazing Bond. He’s believable, with the right mix of smooth but hard!
Q - Your favourite movie and why?
A - The Matrix. When it first came out it was astonishing. Breathtaking. We’d never seen anything like that before. It was truly original. Admittedly, it’s been mimicked to death since, but then all the best things are, it’s a sign of greatness.
Q - Which is more you? A city apartment or place in the country?
A - Definitely a place in the country. I love the countryside and traditional English Villages where the country pub and village green are the centre of the community. Cricket, Pimms and Morris Dancers. Roll on the Summer!
Q - If you weren’t working at Original Software, what would you be doing?
A - Investment Banking. I love all the research that’s involved and gambling with other people’s money is always much more fun than with your own!
Q - What is your favourite sound?
A - The sound of a wine cork being pulled, the sucking and popping noise. It’s an amusing sound full of delightful expectation. It reminds me of the noise Skype makes when you login. I think it’s probably why they’ve become so successful. It’s a great marketing ploy!
