Full Name: Pieter Willem Nel
Position: CEO of MineRP
Main Activity of the Company: Mine RP is a provider of enterprise interoperability solutions for the mining technology industry
Date and Place of Birth: February 10, 1963, Pretoria
Education: Grade 12
First Job: Officer in the South African National Defence Force (paratrooper)
Size of First Pay Packet: R280 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: $50-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 210
Management Style: Participative
Personal Best Achievement: Managing a successful exit of MineRP from Gijima through a leveraged buy-out
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Carina (for the last 30 years), my two children, Carel and Jhane, and my parents, who played an important role in the early days of my life
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: During my 11-year military career, it was Gen McGill Alexander. My current mentor is Jim Porter, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Clem Sunter
Philosophy of Life: I do not believe in luck – everything you receive is a blessing from God
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being appointed CEO of MineRP
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Every time the Bulls lose a game
Hope for the Future: That all people live in peace
Favourite Reading: Books on business management and leadership
Favourite TV Programme: SuperSport
Favourite Food/Drink: Oxtail/milkshake
Favourite Music: Neil Diamond
Favourite Sport: Rugby, soccer and cricket
Hobbies: Fly-fishing
Car: Land Rover Discovery
Pets: German shepherd
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dancing
Married: To Carina
Children: Carel, 25; Jhane, 23