Full Name: Paul Smith
Position: COO of Wesizwe Platinum since January 2013
Main Activity of the Company: Platinum mine development
Date and Place of Birth: March 5, 1963, Johannesburg
Education: BSc, DMT, BCom (Hons), MBA
First Job: Project metallurgist at Samancor, Hotazel
Size of First Pay Packet: R3 000
Value of Assets under Your Control: R1.1-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: Direct, 46; indirect, 880
Management Style: Participative
Personal Best Achievement: Mining Analyst of the Year Award (Business Day)
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father, Bernard Smith
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: BHP Billiton executive director Mike Salomon
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers
Philosophy of Life: Stay focused and you will achieve
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Wesizwe
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: Stability in South Africa’s mining sector
Favourite Reading: History
Favourite TV Programme: Travel channel
Favourite Food/Drink: Seafood/red wine
Favourite Music: Classic rock
Favourite Sport: Running and skiing
Hobbies: Scuba diving and hiking
Car: Toyota Land Cruiser
Pets: German shepherds
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Arrogance and ignorance
Married: To Erica
Children: Spencer, 21; Vicky, 18
Clubs: None