Full Name: Pieter Daniël Nortjé
Position: MD of CMCO Material Handling
Main Activity of the Company: Lifting equipment and materials handling; we represent the Yale, Pfaff Silberblau, CM, Steerman and Tigrip brands
Date and Place of Birth: February 10, 1966, Upington
Education: BCom (accountancy), HED, MBA
First Job: Teacher, Grade 12 accountancy, 1991
Career History Prior to Current Position: MD of Grinaker-LTA Structural Steel Division. I served the company for 18 years, starting as a cost controller in 1994
Size of First Pay Packet: R900 a month
First Job with Present Group: MD
Value of Assets under Your Control: I am responsible for the South Africa and Africa operations of a multinational company that has international assets
Number of People under Your Leadership: Nine direct reports, who, in return, are responsible for their own teams
Management Style: Everyone has input; results-orientated teams
Personal Best Achievement: I have completed seven Comrades Marathons
Professional Best Achievement: Not there yet
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My Wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father, an accountant; he taught me about business since the age of 11
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Larry Page, Google
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Tim Cook, Apple
Philosophy of Life: Knock and the door will be opened for you
Biggest Ever Opportunity: To be afforded the opportunity to further my studies
Biggest Ever Disappointment: No regrets – I just learn from my mistakes
Hope for the Future: That South Africa performs to its full potential
Favourite Reading: Varied – any article or book I can learn something from
Favourite TV Programme: Comedy
Favourite Food/Drink: Braai/beer
Favourite Music: Creedence Clearwater Revival – old school
Favourite Sport: Rugby, roadrunning
Favourite Website: Google
Hobbies: See favourite food/drink
Car: Toyota Prado
Pets: One Jack Russel and one golden retriever
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Loud people and red traffic lights
Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol, a truly South African company, and South African Breweries, for bringing so much joy to so many people
Favourite Foreign Company: Coca-Cola Company – it has a strong brand worldwide
Married: To Karen, since September 26, 1992
Children: Alicia, Clayton and Darren
Clubs: Nedbank Running Club