Full Name: Alwyn Pretorius
Position: COO: South African operations, Harmony Gold, as of March 2014
Main Activity of the Company: Gold mining
Date and Place of Birth: August 31, 1971, Winburg, Free State
Education: HTS Louis Botha, Bloemfontein, matric, 1989; University of Pretoria, BEng (mining) 1993, BEng (industrial) 1998
First Job: Junior mining engineer at the Vaal Reefs gold mine
Size of First Pay Packet: R4 200 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: R21.7-billion market capitalisation
Number of People under Your Leadership: 30 000, excluding contractors
Management Style: Democratic/consultative
Personal Best Achievement: Appointment as COO
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father, Gerrie Pretorius
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Peter Steenkamp, MD of Sasol Mining
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Stephane Peterhansel, eleven-times winner of the Dakar rally
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Patrice Motsepe
Philosophy of Life: Believe in yourself
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Receiving a bursary from Anglo American to study mining engineering
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Loss of life as a result of a mine accident in my section of responsibility
Hope for the Future: A flourishing South Africa and employment for all South Africans
Favourite Reading: History
Favourite TV Programme: Animal Planet
Favourite Food/Drink: Rack of lamb/good red wine
Favourite Music: 1980s rock
Favourite Sport: Off-road motorcycling and motocross
Hobbies: Cattle farming
Car: 2006 Mercedes-Benz C180
Pets: Five Dachshund dogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People with an external locus of control
Married: To Theresa-Jean since 2004
Children: Bea Jean, 2
Clubs: None