Full Name: Dean Lee Thompson

Position and Company Name: CEO of EnviroServ Waste Management

Main Activity of the Company: EnviroServ Waste Management is a diversified waste management company offering sustainable, end-to-end waste solutions to the South African and African markets

Date and Place of Birth: August 21, 1972, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Education: CA(SA), University of Pretoria

First Job: Shop-floor assistant at Pick n Pay, and bank teller at United Building Society

Size of First Pay Packet: It must have been less than a couple of hundred rands a month

Career Path to Date: Articled clerk/audit supervisor at BDO, assistant group accountant at Nampak, FD at CCH/MGX Enterprise Solutions, FD and shareholder at African Legend Indigo, FD and later COO at Air Liquide Southern Africa, executive director: solid waste at EnviroServ Waste Management, and CEO at EnviroServ Waste Management

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: About 2 200

Management Style: Direct, involved, participative and results orientated

Personal Best Achievement: Passing the board exams and becoming a father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I have been fortunate to have worked with a number of inspirational leaders who have all played a significant part in my learning and development

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk

Philosophy of Life: Be honest, work hard, communicate well

Biggest Ever Opportunity: To be offered the role of CEO at EnviroServ Waste Management

Hope for the Future: That South Africa fulfils its potential and becomes a world-class African State

Favourite Reading: Crime and business journals

Favourite TV Programme: The History channel and National Geographic

Favourite Food/Drink: Traditional South African braaivleis and a good red wine

Favourite Music: Classic rock, 80s

Favourite Sport: Golf, football and rugby

Hobbies: Reading and golf

Car: BMW

Pets: A Yorkshire terrier, which is my wife’s pet

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Laziness

Married: To Jillian, for 25 years

Children: Dylan, 22; Jade, 21

Clubs: Irene Golf Club