Full Name: David Hugh Brown
Position: CEO of MC Mining (formerly Coal of Africa) since 2014, chairperson from 2012
Main Activity of the Company: Coal mining – MC Mining is a future coking coal producer
Date and Place of Birth: August 7, 1962, Llandudno, Wales
Education: Matric, Bishop’s, Cape Town, 1980; BCom and CTA, University of Cape Town; CA(SA), 1988
First Job: Articled clerk at Arthur Young, 1984
Size of First Pay Packet: R520 a month
Value of Company Assets: MC Mining has a market capitalisation of R650-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 640 employees
Management Style: Hands-on, as I like to lead from the front. Leadership is about building teams by giving team members more autonomy to shine and develop
Personal Best Achievement: Qualifying as a chartered accountant – it was a relief for my mother and me
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: John Smithies – a real gentleman but straight to the point when necessary
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela – he showed the way we should act
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Mark Cutifani – he comes across as calm and being in control. He is also willing to share
Philosophy of Life: Every journey begins with a small step . . . so start walking
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Meeting top leaders in business and in public life and learning from them
Biggest Ever Disappointment: People who do not do what they say they will do
Hope for the Future: That the people of South Africa get on with achieving what they can – that is, greatness. We must embrace our diversity, as it is our strength. We need to trust one another as government, organised labour and companies if we are to save the mining industry – this is needed now more than ever
Favourite Reading: Economics, history and fiction
Favourite TV Programme: MasterChef Australia
Favourite Food/Drink: Italian food/red wine and the odd whiskey or two
Favourite Music: Most music
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Diving, running in an attempt to keep halfway fit. I still like hiking and we did the Inca trail as a family
Car: BMW
Pets: Dogs, cats, fish and horses
Dislikes: Inefficient people
Children: Daniel, 23; Nicole, 19