Full Name: John Crichton Drinkwater
Position: MD of Cerebos
Main Activity of the Company: Salt manufacturing
Date and Place of Birth: June 18, 1975, Port Elizabeth
Education: Matric, Grey High School, 1993; BCom (accounting), University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), 1997
First Job: Data capture clerk at DHL International
Career History Prior to Current Position: Financial manager, brand manager, GM, operations director and then MD
Size of First Pay Packet: R2 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Financial manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R150-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 250
Management Style: Open-door and strong financial influence
Personal Best Achievement: First Eight, UPE Rowing, Argus Cycle tour
Professional Best Achievement: Completion and commissioning of the new Cerebos PVD plant and being appointed MD
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Previous MD, Len Chandler, who was my mentor
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Warren Buffett
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs
Philosophy of Life: Strike a balance between work and play, do not be afraid to leave your comfort zone and life is not a dress rehearsal – live it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Walking into an employment agency at the right time ten years ago
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing stands out
Hope for the Future: That I enjoy my family as much as possible and that Cerebos reaches its maximum potential
Favourite Reading: James Patterson
Favourite TV Programme: Homeland (currently)
Favourite Food/Drink: Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding/Merlot
Favourite Music: Anything with a beat
Favourite Sport: Cycling and swimming (participating) and rugby, cricket and tennis (watching)
Favourite Website: www.cerebos.co.za
Hobbies: Cycling, technology
Car: VW or Audi products
Pets: A Jack Russel and a Labrador
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Disregard for punctuality and victim mentality (not taking responsibility for your actions)
Favourite Other South African Company: Chep SA (what a great business model!)
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Married: To Kim since January 4, 2004
Children: Nicholas, 2
Clubs: None