Full Name: Christopher Eibl
Position: GM of ESAB South Africa, a division of Howden Donkin
Main Activity of the Company: ESAB South Africa is a supplier of ESAB welding and cutting products
Date and Place of Birth: March, 1973, Johannesburg
Education: MBL, School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa (Unisa), 2005; BCom, Unisa, 2002; business management diploma, South African Institute of Management, 1998; national diploma in metallurgical engineering (physical), Technikon Witwatersrand (which merged with other institutions to create the University of Johannesburg), 1993
First Job: Trainee metallurgist at McWade Productions
Career History Prior to Current Position: MD of Arc1, CEO of Xeon Holdings, MD of ESAB Africa, marketing director of ESAB Asia-Pacific and senior business manager of Afrox
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Marketing director
Value of Assets under Your Control: Over R100-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 55
Management Style: Transformational and interactive
Personal Best Achievement: Being married, with three beautiful daughters
Professional Best Achievement: The start-up of ESAB Africa and turning it into a multi-hundred-million-rand business within three years
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Clay Kiefaber, former CEO of ESAB and Colfax Global
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Novak Djokovic
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Not stated
Philosophy of Life: Work hard, play hard
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Leading ESAB Africa
Biggest Ever Disappointment: A setback suffered by ESAB Africa as a result of a failed black economic empowerment transaction
Hope for the Future: That South Africa becomes a truly nonracial, nonsexist society
Favourite Reading: Wilbur Smith
Favourite TV Programme: Game of Thrones
Favourite Food/Drink: I love all healthy food and drink
Favourite Music: Rock
Favourite Sport: Tennis
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Working out in the gym and spending quality time with my family
Car: BMW
Pets: A Biewer Terrier
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who see their point of view only and do not take the time to expand their knowledge base
Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol
Favourite Foreign Company: Airbus
Married: To Melony Kleb, since October 18, 1997
Children: Hannah, 16; Kayla, 15; Courtney, 13
Clubs: Planet Fitness