Full Name: Dmitri Bessarabov
Position and Company Name: Director of HySA Infrastructure Centre at North-West University and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research
Main Activity of the Company: Research and development
Date and Place of Birth: February 1, 1967, Moscow, Russia
Education: PhD, Stellenbosch University
First Job: Senior lecture at Stellenbosch University
Career Path to Date: In 2011, I moved to Canada, where I worked for Aker Kvaerner Group, Ballard Power Systems Canada and AFCC (Daimler and Ford Company). While I was in Canada, I gained a lot of hydrogen industrial experience, notably fuel-cell-related experience, from big names like Daimler and Ford
Value of Assets under Your Control: About R200-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 25
Management Style: I trust people, listen to all, but make decisions alone
Personal Best Achievement: I am lucky to have lived and worked on three continents. I have a C1 rating from the National Research Foundation and came third in the National South African karate competition in 1999
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Natasha
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Professor Ron Sanderson, of Stellenbosch University
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Vladimir Putin
Philosophy of Life: I respect professionals and being simple. Lead others by your own example
Hope for the Future: Peace and prosperity for everyone
Favourite Reading: Viktor Pelevin, a modern Russian writer
Favourite TV Programme: I do not have a TV set at home
Favourite Sport: Karate
Married: To Natasha
Children: Katerina, 18