Full Name: Mark Anthony Dytor
Position: CEO of AECI
Main Activity of the Company: Explosives and speciality chemicals
Date and Place of Birth: July 18, 1961, Wolverhampton, UK
Education: Higher national diploma (metalliferous mining); PMD, University of Cape Town
First Job: Learner official at Rand Mining
Career History: I assumed the position of AECI CEO in 2013, having been appointed to the board earlier that year. I joined AECI as a sales representative in 1984 and, after managing two companies, was appointed to Chemserve’s executive committee in 1988 and subsequently to its board. I am also chairperson of AECI Mining Explosives
Size of First Pay Packet: R300 a month
First Job with Present Group: Sales representative
Value of Assets under Your Control: R22-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: 8 000
Management Style: Good leadership, passion and teamwork
Personal Best Achievement: I played provincial soccer
Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as AECI CEO
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My family and friends
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Schalk Engelbrecht, who appointed me MD of Chemserve Water Sciences
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Paul McCartney
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson
Philosophy of Life: Work hard and make it happen
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being able to build a lifelong career in one company
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Disappointment is temporary; opportunity is everything
Hope for the Future: That AECI harnesses its unique capability to tackle some of the world’s most serious problems, such as food security and water scarcity, while empowering women and making a real difference to people in need
Favourite Reading: Business, current affairs, leadership and strategy
Favourite TV Programme: Netflix and SuperSport
Favourite Food/Drink: Fish, steak and soft drinks
Favourite Music: Contemporary and pop
Favourite Sport: Cricket, golf, motor racing, rugby and soccer
Favourite Website: Not stated
Hobbies: Golf and motor racing
Car: Aston Martin
Pets: Dogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Lazy, negative people who are not engaged in their work
Favourite Other South African Company: Discovery
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Clubs: Dainfern Country Club and The River Club golf course