Earlier this month we welcomed Duncan Frame to PPE, stepping into a key role as our Business Line Leader for Strategic Growth. But when he’s not busy with growing our industrial and energy markets, what makes Duncan tick?
We caught up with Duncan this week to find out…
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INTERVIEWER: Hi Duncan, how are you settling in?
DF: So far so good! The people are fantastic, and they’ve been great in terms of welcoming me into the business. There’s a lot of exciting opportunities that I can’t wait for us to get stuck into!
Would you be able to give us a quick summary of what it is you’ll be doing at PPE?
I’m here as the Business Line Lead for Strategic Growth, specifically within our industrial and energy markets. Also as a member of our Senior Leadership Team I’ll be looking to share the benefits of my experience across oil and gas, energy and aerospace to help PPE realise its potential in these key markets.
Plenty to keep you busy, then?
Oh definitely, but as I say we’ve got a great team of people here and we’re fortunate to have some exceptional materials and support services, so I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.
What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not in the office?
I enjoy playing golf and watching rugby, but as anyone with teenage children will know, I also seem to spend a lot of my free time as my son’s chauffeur!
A little bird tells me you’re also pretty musical?
Haha – well, I’m a mediocre guitarist on a good day.
Any particular inspirations?
I’m into all kinds of genres, but I love heavy rock and 80s metal most of all. I’m a big Iron Maiden fan!
Wow! So we can expect some Run To The Hills screamed into the karaoke?
It’s probably more likely to be Maggie May.
Absolutely – save your voice for the moshpits haha!
I still remember watching Big Country at the St Andrews Student Union in 1989. The hall was so tightly packed with sweaty teenagers that it literally rained inside!
St Andrews must have been convenient for you with the golf?
I actually studied at Dundee, but yes absolutely – my son and I both try to get up to St Andrews with the golf clubs as often as my very understanding wife allows!
Would you say you’re a big fan of travelling?
I’d love to see Machu Picchu at sunrise. It’s probably the top of my bucket list, now that Concorde doesn’t fly anymore.
Machu Picchu has always fascinated me but I think the terror of all those steep narrow stairs would stop me making it too far!
I’m sure I wouldn’t be half as nervous as I was driving my son home from hospital after he was born. I think that’s probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done!
What would you say is your biggest weakness?
Honestly? Probably prawn cocktail crisps.
Good choice – an underrated classic. I’m guessing it wouldn’t be your last meal though!
No my absolute favourite food would probably be a good curry. Maybe a chicken tikka dansak?
How about TV and movies? Any favourites spring to mind?
I’ll always stop to watch The Shawshank Redemption when it’s on. Or A Matter of Life & Death. TV… maybe Lucifer.
What’s one fact that not many other people know about you?
I enjoy writing, and also have an online print-on-demand store as a more creative outlet.
Not that you’re looking for a plug or anything! We’ll just run through a few quickfire questions now… dogs or cats?
Dogs.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury.
Morning person or night owl?
Both – it’s the afternoons that tire me out!
Thanks again for taking some time to talk to us, Duncan.
It’s not a problem, always happy to help!