Full Name: Karl Smithson
Position: CEO Stellar Diamonds
Main Activity of the Company: Diamond exploration, development and mining in West Africa
Date and Place of Birth: May 27, 1966, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, UK
Education: BSc (Hons) (geology), Kingston University, London; MBA, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town
First Job: Diamond exploration geologist, De Beers, Botswana
Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember but it is unlikely to have been very much
Value of Assets under Your Control: £3-million market capitalisation – a lot less than a year or two ago
Number of People under Your Leadership: 100 employees but the number is set to soon increase significantly, when Stellar starts commercial mining in Sierra Leone
Management Style: Hands-on, teamwork
Personal Best Achievement: That I am still in the diamond business in these resources markets
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: A few select friends and family
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Guy Pas, founder of many resource companies, including Stellar Diamonds
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I cannot think of anyone right now
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Guy Pas
Philosophy of Life: It used to be work hard and play hard; now it seems to be just work hard
Biggest Ever Opportunity: The future of Stellar Diamonds
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Resource markets for what seems the past ten years, which has destroyed so much value across the board
Hope for the Future: Beyond the wellbeing of my family, continued growth and prosperity in Africa that can drive improved governance
Favourite Reading: The Complete Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle
Favourite TV Programme: The Sopranos
Favourite Food/Drink: Fresh seafood with a nice white wine
Favourite Music: Elvis – can I say that without sounding too old? But I grew up at home with it so it has sort of stayed with me
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Hobbies: Walking, particularly with my dogs
Car: BMW
Pets: Two dogs, a Staffie and a Labrador
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rude people
Married: To Sara, for past 24 years
Children: Laura, 22; Helen, 16
Clubs/Organisations that you are a member of: IMMM