Full Name: Werner Ignatius Büchner
Position: Chairperson of the board of Clover Industries
Main Activity of the Company: Clover Industries is a processor of dairy and other fast-moving consumer goods
Date and Place of Birth: June 28, 1966, Port Elizabeth
Education: BEng (electronic), University of Pretoria
First Job: Design and system engineer, primarily on the development of a thermal imaging camera, at Eloptro, the electro-optical division of Denel
Career History Prior to Current Position: I worked for Eloptro from 1989 to 1995, when I joined the family dairy business. I bought the business from my father in 1997 and operated as a dairy farmer until June 2010, when I formed the Nanaga Farming Trust (with three other dairy farmers), consolidating four existing dairy operations into one business. I currently serve as MD of that business. My relationship with Clover started in 1997 as a producer. In 2006, I was elected to the board of directors of Clover and became chairperson in December 2012
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 850 a month, in 1989
First Job with Present Group: Member of the board of directors
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: Not stated
Management Style: Mostly democratic, but with a mix of persuasiveness, especially when I strongly believe that my viewpoint is the correct one
Personal Best Achievement: Completing our degrees with my wife, Estelle, while raising a family and making sure there is food on the table
Professional Best Achievement: Playing a role in forming the Nanaga Farming Trust
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father, whom, at the age of 78, I still consult on a regular basis
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Various people
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Jeremy Clarkson – I love his simple and logical view on life
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk – mostly because he is South African, but also because he does not subscribe to the norm and sees no limitation in his abilities
Philosophy of Life: Simplicity is the ultimate perfection
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Buying the family business at a very favourable price
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I cannot think of any major disappointment. I have some regrets though, with the most prominent being not spending enough time with my children during their school career
Hope for the Future: That we overcome the challenges in our country and take our rightful place as the best country in the world
Favourite Reading: I read anything, but have a real interest in history
Favourite TV Programme: Top Gear
Favourite Food/Drink: Pizza/a good whiskey
Favourite Music: Eminem, but also any good classical rock.
Favourite Sport: Golf (participating) and cycling, cricket and rugby (watching)
Favourite Website: Google
Hobbies: I play golf when I can and keep my brain active by playing online chess
Car: Currently, my favourite toy is a Toyota 86
Pets: Two Scottish terriers, Otto and Eddie
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Negative attitudes, especially when it relates to life in South Africa, and pumpkin
Favourite Other South African Company: Naspers
Favourite Foreign Company: Google
Married: To Estelle, since December 23, 1986
Children: Daneel, 27; Frances, 26; Werner Jr, 22
Clubs: Royal Port Alfred Golf Club