Full Name: John Crichton Drinkwater

Position: MD of Cerebos

Main Activity of the Company: Salt manufacturing

Date and Place of Birth: June 18, 1975, Port Elizabeth

Education: Matric, Grey High School, 1993; BCom (accounting), University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), 1997

First Job: Data capture clerk at DHL International

Career History Prior to Current Position: Financial manager, brand manager, GM, operations director and then MD

Size of First Pay Packet: R2 000 a month

First Job with Present Group: Financial manager

Value of Assets under Your Control: R150-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 250

Management Style: Open-door and strong financial influence

Personal Best Achievement: First Eight, UPE Rowing, Argus Cycle tour

Professional Best Achievement: Completion and commissioning of the new Cerebos PVD plant and being appointed MD

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Previous MD, Len Chandler, who was my mentor

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Warren Buffett

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs

Philosophy of Life: Strike a balance between work and play, do not be afraid to leave your comfort zone and life is not a dress rehearsal – live it

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Walking into an employment agency at the right time ten years ago

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing stands out

Hope for the Future: That I enjoy my family as much as possible and that Cerebos reaches its maximum potential

Favourite Reading: James Patterson

Favourite TV Programme: Homeland (currently)

Favourite Food/Drink: Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding/Merlot

Favourite Music: Anything with a beat

Favourite Sport: Cycling and swimming (participating) and rugby, cricket and tennis (watching)

Favourite Website: www.cerebos.co.za

Hobbies: Cycling, technology

Car: VW or Audi products

Pets: A Jack Russel and a Labrador

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Disregard for punctuality and victim mentality (not taking responsibility for your actions)

Favourite Other South African Company: Chep SA (what a great business model!)

Favourite Foreign Company: Apple

Married: To Kim since January 4, 2004

Children: Nicholas, 2

Clubs: None