Ben Magara

22nd November 2013 By: Martin Creamer - Creamer Media Editor

Ben Magara

Full Name: Bennetor Magara

Position: CEO of Lonmin since July 1

Main Activity of the Company: Mining platinum

Date and Place of Birth: June 24, 1967, Bikita, Zimbabwe

Education: BSc (Eng) (Hon), University of Zimbabwe, 1990; ADP, London Business School; AMP, Gordon Institute of Business Science

First Job: Underground miner

Size of First Pay Packet: Z$1 164 a month

Size of Capital Portfolio: The market capitalisation of Lonmin is £1.9-billion (R26-billion)

Number of People under Your Leadership: 38 000, made up of 28 000 permanent employees and 10 000 contracting personnel

Management Style: I inspire and empower people to work to a purpose and have fun

Best Personal Achievement: My wife and two sons

Best Business Achievement: Being CEO of Anglo Coal South Africa at 38 years of age

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My mother

Person You Would Most Like t o Meet: Richard Branson – again

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Making a positive difference and having fun in all that I do

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Turning around the New Denmark colliery’s safety, production, costs and culture

Biggest Ever Disappointment: The death of a fellow miner

Hope for the Future: A flourishing Zimbabwe

Favourite Reading: Business and strategy

Favourite TV Programme: News and sports

Favourite Food/Drink: Scones/still water

Favourite Music: Rock and jazz

Favourite Sport: Golf and squash

Hobbies: People, having fun and the outdoors

Cars: Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Hi-Lux

Pets: Jack Russell

Dislikes: Laziness and inaction

Married: To Gumisayi

Children: Makomborero ‘Kombo’ and Mazvita

Clubs: Dainfern Country Club and Rand Club