AEG’s Paul Samuels helped make the Millennium Dome into the O2. He tells us about the world of sponsorship, and how his career has shaped up since, in this week’s Square Mile and Me

CV

• Name: Paul Samuels
• Job title: Executive vice president AEG
• Previous roles: Head of sponsorship O2
• Age: 48
• Born: Brighton
• Lives: Arkley, London
• Studied: Middlesex University
• Talents: Makes a great chicken Schnitzel/goujon
• Motto: Life is too short
• Biggest perk of the job? Get to travel the world and see some of the best shows and festivals
• Coffee order: I don’t drink coffee. Always English Breakfast with a slice of lemon
• Cocktail order: Vodka (Belvedere or Grey Goose) and Diet Coke
• Favourite book: I don’t read much, only on holiday. I have been reading the same author for years Peter James (Roy Grace series)

What was your first job?

My first job, aged 13, was selling ice cream on Brighton & Hove seafront at a place called the Western Cafe. I was famous for my Mr Whippy, as I’d generously give two flakes.

What was your first role in the business world?

My first role after university was at Blair Communications in Primrose Hill, as an event manager putting on conferences for lawyers and barristers. However, my first job working for a large company was a year later, when I moved to event manager of World Online, a global ISP........

© City A.M.