Penny Speed Meets... John Dyke, personal lines managing director, Zurich

What was your first ever job — and were you any good at it?
Working for an agricultural contractor, moving hay bales to the barn. I didn’t get asked back if that’s an indication of my performance

If an MP3 player really could hold only three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
Our House by Madness; (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones; and Skyfall by Adele

Who was your top teenage pin-up?
It would have to be Michelle Pfeiffer – because of her piercing blue eyes of course, what else?

My colleagues won’t know this about me but...
My nickname at school was Joe Pose because I once wore a white suit to school – at the time Miami Vice was popular

Favourite book of all time?
Definitely a book from Wilbur Smith, probably Monsoon

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always tell the truth, because the truth can’t hurt you

If you could be Prime Minister for the day, what change would you instigate and why?
I’d attempt to bring a sense of joint collaboration to parliament with a common goal to rebuild the UK economy, where it will be unacceptable for every decision to be criticised by the opposition in a fight for votes

How would a typical school report about you read?
John is a very capable student who has the potential to gain excellent grades. John can sometimes be disruptive in class but we hope he will grow out of this

My last supper would comprise...
Homemade fish, chips and mushy peas

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
It would be my mum, whose advice and values have set the way I live my life

When I’m not working I like to...
Spend time in my man cave – which is what my wife calls the garage –working on the restoration of my 1952 Landrover

Last film you saw?
Skyfall. I love Bond, probably because I can see myself playing a secret agent

If I wasn’t working in insurance I would probably be...
Running my own garage, repairing and servicing vintage cars

Name your five ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive) noting what they bring to the party
Jeremy Clarkson – a shared interest of fast cars; Ayrton Senna – one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time; Clint Eastwood and John Wayne — I grew up watching classic westerns; and Angelina Jolie

Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil?
I love it. I’m the odd one out at home so there are plenty of Twiglets left for me

Career high point to date?
It has to be the decision to move out of Zurich’s finance function to lead its personal lines business

What do you say when strangers at a social gathering ask what you do for a living
An accountant by training – I have to embellish a little

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I have always regretted not flying supersonic on Concorde before it was retired and to have the opportunity again would not be missed

Finish this sentence: Insurance is a great industry to work in because...
We provide something tangible to the people we insure 
 

This article was published in the 18 July 2013 edition of Post