Full Name: Pieter Daniël Nortjé

Position: MD of CMCO Material Handling

Main Activity of the Company: Lifting equipment and materials handling; we represent the Yale, Pfaff Silberblau, CM, Steerman and Tigrip brands

Date and Place of Birth: February 10, 1966, Upington

Education: BCom (accountancy), HED, MBA

First Job: Teacher, Grade 12 accountancy, 1991

Career History Prior to Current Position: MD of Grinaker-LTA Structural Steel Division. I served the company for 18 years, starting as a cost controller in 1994

Size of First Pay Packet: R900 a month

First Job with Present Group: MD

Value of Assets under Your Control: I am responsible for the South Africa and Africa operations of a multinational company that has international assets

Number of People under Your Leadership: Nine direct reports, who, in return, are responsible for their own teams

Management Style: Everyone has input; results-orientated teams

Personal Best Achievement: I have completed seven Comrades Marathons

Professional Best Achievement: Not there yet

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father, an accountant; he taught me about business since the age of 11

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Larry Page, Google

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Tim Cook, Apple

Philosophy of Life: Knock and the door will be opened for you

Biggest Ever Opportunity: To be afforded the opportunity to further my studies

Biggest Ever Disappointment: No regrets – I just learn from my mistakes

Hope for the Future: That South Africa performs to its full potential

Favourite Reading: Varied – any article or book I can learn something from

Favourite TV Programme: Comedy

Favourite Food/Drink: Braai/beer

Favourite Music: Creedence Clearwater Revival – old school

Favourite Sport: Rugby, roadrunning

Favourite Website: Google

Hobbies: See favourite food/drink

Car: Toyota Prado

Pets: One Jack Russel and one golden retriever

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Loud people and red traffic lights

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol, a truly South African company, and South African Breweries, for bringing so much joy to so many people

Favourite Foreign Company: Coca-Cola Company – it has a strong brand worldwide

Married: To Karen, since September 26, 1992

Children: Alicia, Clayton and Darren

Clubs: Nedbank Running Club