Full Name: David Hugh Brown
Position: CEO of Impala Platinum
Main Activity of the Company: Mining, processing, refining and marketing platinum-group metals
Date and Place of Birth: August 7, 1962, in Llandudno, Wales
Education: Matric at Bishop’s (Cape Town), 1980; BCom and CTA, University of Cape Town; CA (SA), 1988
First Job: Articled clerk at Arthur Young, 1984
Size of First Pay Packet: R520 a month
Value of Company Assets: R67-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: More than 56 000
Management Style: Hands-on, but I have learnt to allow more autonomy for team members
Personal Best Achievement: Qualifying as a chartered accountant (South African) – it was a relief for my mother and myself
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: John Smithies – a fantastic person, straight to the point
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jack Welch
Philosophy of Life: Life is not a dress rehearsal – make the most of it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Meeting top leaders in business and public life and learning from them
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Whenever South Africa does not win a game
Hope for the Future: That the people of South Africa get on with achieving what they can – that is, greatness. We must embrace our diversity, as it is our strength. We need to trust each other as government, organised labour and companies if we are to grow the mining industry
Favourite Reading: Economics, history and crime
Favourite TV Programme: Sport and Top Gear
Favourite Food/Drink: Italian/red wine and the odd whiskey or two
Favourite Music: Most
Favourite Sport: Rugby, cricket and also soccer
Hobbies: Diving, working out in the gym and running in an attempt to keep half way fit. I still like hiking and plan to do the Inca trail next year with my family
Car: Nissan Navara
Pets: Dogs, cats, fish and horses
Dislikes: Inefficient people
Children: Daniel (16) and Nicole (12)