Full Name: Karl Smithson

Position: CEO Stellar Diamonds

Main Activity of the Company: Diamond exploration, development and mining in West Africa

Date and Place of Birth: May 27, 1966, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, UK

Education: BSc (Hons) (geology), Kingston University, London; MBA, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town

First Job: Diamond exploration geologist, De Beers, Botswana

Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember but it is unlikely to have been very much

Value of Assets under Your Control: £3-million market capitalisation – a lot less than a year or two ago

Number of People under Your Leadership: 100 employees but the number is set to soon increase significantly, when Stellar starts commercial mining in Sierra Leone

Management Style: Hands-on, teamwork

Personal Best Achievement: That I am still in the diamond business in these resources markets

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: A few select friends and family

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Guy Pas, founder of many resource companies, including Stellar Diamonds

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I cannot think of anyone right now

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Guy Pas

Philosophy of Life: It used to be work hard and play hard; now it seems to be just work hard

Biggest Ever Opportunity: The future of Stellar Diamonds

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Resource markets for what seems the past ten years, which has destroyed so much value across the board

Hope for the Future: Beyond the wellbeing of my family, continued growth and prosperity in Africa that can drive improved governance

Favourite Reading: The Complete Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle

Favourite TV Programme: The Sopranos

Favourite Food/Drink: Fresh seafood with a nice white wine

Favourite Music: Elvis – can I say that without sounding too old? But I grew up at home with it so it has sort of stayed with me

Favourite Sport: Cricket

Hobbies: Walking, particularly with my dogs

Car: BMW

Pets: Two dogs, a Staffie and a Labrador

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rude people

Married: To Sara, for past 24 years

Children: Laura, 22; Helen, 16

Clubs/Organisations that you are a member of: IMMM