Full Name: Mark Janse van Vuuren
Position: MD of Jasco ICT Solutions
Main Activity of the Company: The Jasco group is a provider of end-to-end converged solutions across three interlinked sectors: information and communication technology, industry and energy
Date and Place of Birth: December 1, 1966, Port Elizabeth
Education: National diploma in cost management accounting, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); MBA, Milpark Business School/Thames Valley
First Job: Costing clerk at Toyota South Africa
Career History Prior to Current Position: Divisional MD of Jasco Carrier Solutions; founder and MD of Maringo Communications; COO: sub-Saharan Africa, Nokia Siemens Networks; and divisional MD: fixed networks, Siemens Telecommunications
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 200 a month
First Job with Present Group: Divisional MD, Jasco Carrier Solutions
Value of Assets under Your Control: Annual business volume of R850-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 450
Management Style: Consultative, team-orientated and performance-driven
Personal Best Achievement: Obtaining an MBA, and my family
Professional Best Achievement: The many small achievements in my career thus far
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents, children and family
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: A host of good bosses/managers that I have worked for
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Larry Page and Sergey Brin
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs and Adrian Gore
Philosophy of Life: Always see the glass half-full rather than half-empty
Biggest Ever Opportunity: The various opportunities for growth that I have had throughout my career thus far
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I have experienced no major disappointments
Hope for the Future: That South Africa becomes a truly successful global competitor – but corruption must be eradicated first – and that my children reach their full potential
Favourite Reading: Autobiographies
Favourite TV Programme: Sports channels
Favourite Food/Drink: Seafood with a good draft beer
Favourite Music: Eric Clapton, U2, Katy Perry, Bee Gees, Michael Bublé and Andrea Bocelli, besides others
Favourite Sport: Rugby and cricket
Favourite Website: www.techcentral.co.za
Hobbies: Fishing, playing cricket with my son, watching Super 15 rugby, going to the theatre and spending time with my family
Car: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pets: Two dogs, one cat and two birds (an African Grey and a cockatoo)
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who lack integrity
Favourite Other South African Company: Kulula – for the funky way it interacts with its customers
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple – for its innovation
Married: Divorced
Children: Alan, 24; Ethan, 8