Full Name: Andre Johan van Zyl
Position: General works manager, Lion Smelter, a Glencore Merafe Venture operation, since October 2009
Main Activity of the Company: Ferrochrome production
Date and Place of Birth: June 14, 1970, Pretoria
Education: Laerskool Paul Kruger, Alberton; Hoërskool Delmas, matric, 1988; Artillery School, Potchefstroom; BSc; BSc (Hons); MSc; PhD (chemistry), 1997, North-West University, Potchefstroom; Master of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, 2012
First Job: Scientist, Sastech Research & Development, Sasol, Sasolburg, 1998 to 2002
Size of First Pay Packet: R6 000 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: R10-billion (replacement)
Number of People under Your Leadership: Lion Smelter has 884 employees
Management Style: I like to involve people in decision-making and target setting
Personal Best Achievement: Bringing stability to the first phase of the operation of Lion Smelter
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Santie
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My Heavenly Father
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Ivan Glasenberg
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Peet Nienaber
Philosophy of Life: Live in the now and celebrate what’s right in the world
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Leading the Lion Smelter team
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None that stands out
Hope for the Future: That we will attain the design capacity of the Lion Smelter safely
Favourite Reading: Farming literature
Favourite TV Programme: The Mentalist
Favourite Food/Drink: Braaivleis and South African beer
Favourite Music: Afrikaans music
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Part-time game farming on my farm in Lydenburg
Car: Land Rover Discovery
Pets: Dogs, cats and horses
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Employees who lack a sense of ownership of the work they do
Married: To Santie (née Markram) for 20 years this month
Children: Hein, 15; Sune, 13; Tanya, 12C
Clubs: Wildlife Ranching of South Africa