Gerard Pretorius, GM at John Thompson, a division of Actom
Full Name: Gerard Pretorius
Position and Company Name: GM: Air Pollution Control Business Unit at John Thompson, a division of Actom
Main Activity of the Company: Providing solutions for clients with air pollution control challenges, with the solutions provided ranging from spare parts and engineering surveys to turnkey projects
Date and Place of Birth: February 24, 1972, Pretoria
Schools and Tertiary Education: Matric, Hoërskool Wesvalia, in Klerksdorp; chemical engineering, University of Pretoria
First Job: Chemical engineer for Benco Plant and Engineering
Size of First Pay Packet: R5 000 a month
Career Path to Date: Benco Plant and Engineering, EcoSource, Environmental Control and Engineering, and John Thompson Air Pollution Control
Number of People under Your Leadership: 25
Management Style: A mixture between consultative, participative and collaborative management, depending on the situation
Personal Best Achievement: I have a few, but completing the Comrades Marathon is probably the top one
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife Beulah
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: David Crosthwaite
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Simon Sinek, an English-born American author and inspirational speaker on business leadership
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett
Philosophy of Life: In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Not stated
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not stated
Hope For the Future: That all South Africans work together to create a better, safer and prosperous South Africa
Favourite Reading: Who Moved My Cheese, by Dr Spencer Johnson
Favourite TV Programme: Any kind of sport
Favourite Food/Drink: Braaivleis and Shiraz red wine
Favourite Music: A large variety. If I have to choose one, I will say modern classical instrumental
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Training German Shepherd dogs
Car: Nissan X-Trail
Pets: A German Shepherd, Vida
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty, complacency, and non-accountability
Married: To Beulah
Clubs: German Shepherd Club