Full Name: AJR (Roedie) Naude
Position: Director: energy and industry, Hilti South Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Sales and support in the energy and industry segments
Date and Place of Birth: October 15,1978, Vaal Triangle, South Africa
Education: National diploma in metalliferous mining, University of the Witwatersrand
First Job: Mining official in training
Size of First Pay Packet: A R200 000 allowance, plus bursary study fees – I lived like a king
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: 48 employees
Management Style: Flexibility is key, and knowing when to be directive or supportive has a big impact on motivation and willingness. I strive for a caring and performance-driven culture within teams
Personal Best Achievement: I stayed upright throughout my son’s natural birth – all 11 hours of it . . .
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My beautiful wife, Jenny
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My mentor, Lars Taenzer, for his high intensity, focus and energy; at the same time, he was warm and supportive
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Dave Grohl, the lead singer of Foo Fighters
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk, for his amazing vision and tremendous risk appetite
Philosophy of Life: Chop your own wood, it will warm you twice – stolen from Henry Ford
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Taking charge of the (then) Hilti Mining business in South Africa in 2011
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I cannot remember – I quickly move on from disappointments
Hope for the Future: That South Africa addresses its biggest challenges – leadership and education – and that there is a bright future for my son
Favourite Reading: More like listening – to Bruce Whitfield’s money show on 702; WW2 history
Favourite TV Programme: Movies take preference – anything with Daniel Day Lewis; no musicals
Favourite Food/Drink: Biltong and red wine – Pinotage
Favourite Music: Alternative rock
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Motorsport
Car: Today: Lexus, IS-F. Dream Garage: just about any state-side muscle
Pets: Miniature hamster, Maximus
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rude people, bad drivers and R.E.M. (band)
Married: To Jenny Naude
Children: Justin Connor Naude, 10
Clubs: Cobra Club ZA