Martin Gregory, Head of Human Resources at Vodafone Malta Ltd. talks to Marie Benoit about his love of football, autobiographies and speaks out about his lack of aptitude at DIY.

Martin Gregory aged 46 was born and bred in Sliema where he still lives. He is married to Suzanne née Gaffiero and they have two children, Philippa (aged 18) and Sarah (aged 15). Martin has been employed for the last ten years as Head of Human Resources with Vodafone Malta Limited. His previous employment included 10 years in the HR function at ST Microelectronics and 7 years as a professional footballer which he recalls with great pleasure while at the same time assuring me he really enjoys his current job with Vodafone which gives him great satisfaction. Working for a global organisation means that learning and development opportunities are available. Also it means meeting interesting people – both locally and on a global level. Another advantage of working with a global company is that his working hours can be described as ‘decent’ due to the work-life balance philosophy that Vodafone Malta embraces. However, he adds that he has a ‘pretty busy schedule’ mainly due to the fact that he is currently head coach of the Senior Team at Melita Football Club. This means that everyday, after work, he goes straight to training and normally finally arrive home after 21.30. However, since football has always been a passion, he does not mind the hours spent on the pitch and enjoys his role at the club and the interaction it brings about with the players which keeps him not only fit but also young at heart.

I have two brothers Kevin who is older than me and George who is younger.

When I have some time to spare I like to take it easy and enjoy reading, mostly autobiographies, and watching TV. The latter particularly bothers my wife as she sees it as a waste of time and thinks I could be more productive at home, especially getting on with DIY. But thankfully my father in law is much better at it than I am.

I love eating and drinking all the wrong food (diet wise) but I am trying to be more careful in what I consume. After a strict six-week diet, where I lost 10 kilos, I am now in maintenance phase meaning that I eat the ‘right’ foods during the week but then am pretty free to eat and drink as much as I like in the weekend.

My favourite holiday destination is a ski resort. I am not a great skier and people who are with me on such holidays usually enjoy a few laughs at my expense but I love skiing holidays. I also particularly enjoy driving abroad and some of my best holidays have included driving round in places like Tuscany and Scotland.

One living person I admire is my eldest brother Kevin, who despite having some serious medical problems throughout his life has always displayed a very positive attitude to life. In general, I particularly admire people who are able to laugh at themselves and do not take themselves too seriously.

A character in fiction I like very much is James Bond – I think he’s pretty cool.

If I could change one thing about myself it would be my hair – more hair in the right place (on my head) and less in all the wrong places.

The writer I like best is anyone who writes a decent autobiography.

My dream job would be being a full time football coach.

My kind of music is any type of music. I simply love music.

If I won the lottery I would definitely donate part of it to charity – I know that this sounds like a cliché but my work as a member of the Board of the Vodafone Malta Foundation has brought me in touch with many of the harsh realities that surround us and has made me realize how lucky I am. Then I would love to spend the rest of my gains travelling round the world together with my family.

My motto is live and let live.