A BP-PetroChina dual-branded petrol site is seen in Guangzhou. [Photo/China Daily]

You have spent almost three decades working at BP, with a wide range of management roles. What achievement is your biggest source of pride in your career?

I am proud to have been a member of the BP family for over 26 years, since joining in 1989. There have been many highlights during that time, but my proudest achievement has been as a member of an executive team that has been steering BP through the challenges we have faced over the past 5 years to create the company that we are today. This is a great industry, and I look forward to the coming years with excitement and anticipation.

What are your suggestions to young businesspeople who are working to become successful corporate leaders?

I would like to use some of our BP values to give suggestions to young business leaders: "respect", "excellence", "courage" and "one team". To put it more specifically, you should respect those you work with — both inside your company, with partners and with communities and countries — and build strong relationships based on mutuality of interests and trust. Always strive for excellent execution, and have a thirst to learn, and to improve. Achieving the best outcomes is not easy and often requires the courage to face difficult choices, to speak up, and to be open to new ideas. And remember, whatever the strength of the individual, as one team, you will accomplish more together.

What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time off duty?

I enjoy the many things that a resident of this great city of London has on offer. I would particularly point to my sporting interests of cricket, rugby and golf and to balance it, opera and the theater!

What do you usually do to break the ice when dealing with business partners?

If we have a common purpose and goal, there is no need to break the ice. I always try to create the kind of environment that I would if I were hosting friends, to make people feel comfortable and at ease.

What's your impression on working with Chinese people?

I would like to tell you a story of my personal experience to describe my impression of working in China and with Chinese people. Ten years ago, when I was the CEO of Air BP, I attended an inauguration ceremony for a major airport in China. A key event at the ceremony was to welcome the passengers on the first plane that landed at the airport. I was expecting the passengers to be political and business leaders. It turned out to be the workers who constructed the airport getting off the plane, whom we all then welcomed and celebrated! It has been an image and lesson that has stayed with me all these years.

When did you first travel to China? How often do you come to China now?

I have been visiting your great nation since 1997. I visit around three times a year, and each time I am positively amazed by the extraordinary developments that I see in the places that I visit.

What kind of books do you like to read?

I like reading historical books and biographies and do as much as I can, in between travel and keeping up with the corporate papers!