Full Name: Brian Howarth

Position: MD of Magnet

Main Activity of the Company: Magnet is a supplier of electrical components to industry and lighting solutions to industry and commerce. It also implements turnket energy efficient projects for the industrial and commercial sectors

Date and Place of Birth: August 9, 1957, Durban

Education: A diploma in electrical engineering and a government certificate of competence

First Job: Learner technical assistant at Durban Electricity

Career History Prior to Current Position: Assistant section engineer at Durban Electricity

Size of First Pay Packet: R 215 a month

First Job with Present Group: Sales director

Value of Assets under Your Control: R80-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 106

Management Style: Participatory, directing and entrepreneurial

Personal Best Achievement: Participating in the Duzi, Comrades and Mountain Bike races

Professional Best Achievement: Building Magnet into a successful business and being able to create jobs for so many people

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother, Janice

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father, Ernest

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson, Steve Jobs and Lance Armstrong

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Not stated

Philosophy of Life: Live every day as if it is your last

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Energy saving in South Africa

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Dishonest people in business

Hope for the Future: That there is free high-quality education – including tertiary education – for all

Favourite Reading: Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbo and Ken Follett

Favourite TV Programme: Sport and Piers Morgan Tonight

Favourite Food/Drink: Pasta and Thai/whiskey

Favourite Music: All types

Favourite Sport: Golf, mountain biking and scuba diving

Favourite Website: Google, Wikipedia

Hobbies: Computers, gadgets and photography

Car: Range Rover Sport

Pets: Two pugs

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Arrogant people who know it all and taxi drivers who think they own the road

Favourite Other South African Company: South African Breweries and Bidvest

Favourite Foreign Company: Virgin

Married: To Colette, since 1981

Children: Nicole, 26; Monique, 24

Clubs: None