Penny speed meets... Peter Horton, chief operating officer, LV

What was your first ever job — and were you any good at it?
I worked in a supermarket where I learnt a huge amount that is still relevant to my job today. I worked incredibly hard and was promoted very quickly

If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
Tiger Feet by Mud – it takes me back to my youth and always gets me dancing; I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas – the ultimate party record; and God Save the Queen – I am very patriotic and even have a Union Jack jacket, which I was seen in on TV after the Olympic tennis final last summer

Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Debbie Harry

My colleagues won’t know this about me but...
I stroked a great white shark while cage diving in South Africa

Favourite book of all time?
Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado. It’s about the 72-day ordeal of a group of survivors of a plane crash in the Andes in 1972. I heard Parrado talk at a conference about surviving the crash and his role in the rescue of the survivors, and it was the most inspirational thing I have ever heard

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best deals are the ones you walk away from

If you could be Prime Minister for the day, what change would you instigate and why?
Fast-track a third terminal at Heathrow to cater for future expansion and create new jobs

How would a typical school report about you read?
Peter takes an active part in class discussion and his enthusiasm never flags.
These two characteristics are still a big part of my persona

My top tip for climbing the insurance career ladder is...
Do what you say you are going to do and take your professional exams

My last supper would comprise...
Mancunian steak & kidney pudding on a tray with chips, mushy peas and gravy; followed by apple pie and custard with a cup of tea – the ultimate comfort food
When I’m not working I like to... Rest at the family beach lodge in Mudeford, Dorset, or socialise and party with family and friends

Last film you saw?
Argo – it showed how certain people go that extra mile when under exceptional pressure

If I wasn’t working in insurance I would probably be...
A party planner – I’ve been to enough to know how to plan a good one

Career high point to date?
When LV won general insurer of the year at the British Insurance Awards in 2012 and also achieved record profits

What do you say when strangers at a social gathering ask what you do for a living? 
I am always proud to say I am an LV director

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I would love to travel back to the Roman Empire era and attend one of Julius Caesar’s parties

Finish this sentence: Insurance is a great industry to work in because...
It is exciting  and constantly evolving, and requires entrepreneurial, commercial management and great staff to keep pace with the change

Would you like to be probed by Penny on one of her speed meets? Get in touch via Stephanie Denton.

This article was published in the 20 June 2013 edition of Post magazine