James Hart

What was your first job in retailing?

Asos. I worked with Nick Robertson, our chief executive, at his marketing agency, before moving over to Asos on day one, back in August 1999.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Amazon barely existed 15 years ago. It is staggering what it has achieved and how it innovates despite its scale.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

I’m a control freak. I care about every little detail. I like those things… others don’t though.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Nick Robertson is my work inspiration. Basically, he’s the man.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Work hard. I learn how to listen to customers and view the world through their eyes and gain experience across as many disciplines as possible.

What keeps you awake at night?

It’s normally something Asos related or under five years old.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

I love building new experiences for customers and improving existing ones and then seeing their reactions in real time.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Probably one of my most recent - Asos Marketplace. We have built a bespoke platform, recruited 50 sellers with more than 1,000 products, and a whole new team to run it, in just seven months.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

Who knows? Who cares?!

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Can’t pinpoint one but New York has my favourite shops.

I really liked Steven Alan on my last trip.

What was your last purchase?

Quite befitting a geek working in fashion, I’ve just bought a 3D TV and a pair of Nike Air Force 1 Duck Boots from our sister site, Crooked Tongues.