Full Name: Peter Andrew Ireland
Position: CEO of Ithala
Main Activity of the Company: Retail banking
Date and Place of Birth: January 24, 1965, Botswana
Education: BCom, BCompt (Hons), CA(SA)
First Job: Financial manager, Teljoy Television Rental
Career History Prior to Current Position: Ithala SOC, FD, October 2012 to March 2016; Ithala Development Finance Corporation, group CFO, May 2011 to September 2012; BioScience Brands, FD, June 2008 to April 2011; The Unlimited, FD, August 2006 to May 2008; Research International South Africa, FD, August 2000 to July 2006; BOE Bank, Premium finance manager, July 1997 to July 2000; Rainbow Farms, group financial planning manager, February 1996 to June 1997; Hollard Insurance Company, financial accountant, October 1993 to January 1996; Teljoy Rentals, financial manager, March 1992 to September 1993
Size of First Pay Packet: R7 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Group CFO at Ithala Development Finance Corporation
Value of Assets under Your Control: R2.5-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: 400
Management Style: I give guidance and direction on what needs to be achieved, providing support when requested; I do not like to micromanage
Personal Best Achievement: Completing the Comrades marathon
Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as a FD of a JSE-listed company
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late best friend, who was courageous and always remained true to his values
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Iain Buchan, chairperson of The Unlimited. He exposed me to the benefit of personal development in my career and how constant learning and growth make me a more effective leader
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The late Steve Jobs
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Most recently, Mark Barnes. After a successful career at Standard Bank and establishing a formidable private-equity business, he volunteered to help rescue the South African Post Office – as a challenge, rather than a need for a job
Philosophy of Life: Be brave, be fair, and listen
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My appointment as CEO of Ithala
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing stands out – I have enjoyed my career over the past 25 years
Hope for the Future: Economic and political prosperity for South Africa
Favourite Reading: Biographies, self-development books
Favourite TV Programme: Business Day TV and Ignition GT
Favourite Food/Drink: Sushi/wine
Favourite Music: Adult contemporary
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Favourite Website: Autotrader – I have a passion for cars and motorcycles
Hobbies: Cycling and motorcycling
Car: Porsche
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Cruelty to animals, dishonesty.
Favourite Other South African Company: Aspen Pharmacare, a company started in Durban that now has an international presence
Favourite Foreign Company: Unilever, a company that dominates its market, understands its customers and actively develops and grows its employees
Married: To Genevieve, since October 20, 2010
Children: Amy, 5; Nicole, 2
Clubs: Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Harley Davidson Owners Group