Laurent Matras, managing director of Groupama Insurances

Garlic hater...

My food & drink preferences are not typically French. Sadly, I am (mildly) allergic to white wine and champagne. Garlic also has the same affect but that’s fine as I positively abhor it anyway.

Hells angel...

I've ridden (and occasionally crashed) motorbikes for as long as I remember, which is something I've discovered I have in common with quite a lot of people in the insurance industry (a psychoanalyst would have a field day with that). I currently ride a 1700cc Yamaha and a 650cc KTM, only in fair weather though, and never at the same time.

J'aime le rugby...

Being from Toulouse, I am a rugby fan and used to play a bit; I must have been the slowest scrum-half in the world. As a supporter of France and Stade Toulousain, I've had an annus horribilis so far.

Hi-Fi geek...

Like many of us, I enjoy my music and my taste varies hugely. Sadly, I am also a Hi-Fi geek. My Desert Island discs would include A. Vivaldi, I. Stravinski and Metallica.

Sod off, Baldrick...

I'm addicted to British comedy. I own a respectable (i.e. large) collection of DVDs and CDs of TV and Radio programmes and stand-ups. My favourite comedians of the moment include Andy Hamilton, Sean Lock and Armando Iannucci. My all-time favourite comedy series has to be Blackadder though. At least one good thing to come out of the 80s!

Laurent Matras is managing director of Groupama Insurances.