Full name: Ivor Ichikowitz

Position: Founder and executive chairperson of Paramount Group

Main Activity of the Company: Defence, aerospace, internal security and peacekeeping

Date and Place of Birth: Springs, South Africa

Education: BA, University of the Witwatersrand, 1987

First Job: Running a theatre production company

Career History Prior to Current Position: I was an entrepreneur, starting numerous businesses across mining, real estate, agriculture, tourism, energy and sport. Besides being the chairperson of Paramount Group, I am also the chairperson of Trans Africa Capital, a venture capital business

First Job with Present Group: I founded Paramount Group in 1994

Number of People under Your Leadership: 3 000 across various businesses

Management Style: I have very strong teams across our various business interests. It is important for me that we work towards a common goal and a clear vision

Professional Best Achievements: Founding Paramount in 1994 with a small team and in the face of great adversity and going on to build it into a proud African company operating globally. Launching AHRLAC, Africa’s first domestically conceived and developed aircraft. This aircraft is truly revolutionary and a testament to the skills of the South African people

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on your Career: My father

Philosophy of Life: Dream big, believe in yourself and always nurture a ‘can do’ attitude

Hope for the Future: That Africa reaches its true potential and develops into a global economic powerhouse

Favourite Reading: Radio Congo, by Ben Rawlence, and aviation and interior design magazines

Favourite TV Programme: News channels

Favourite Food/Drink: Whiskey

Favourite Music: Instrumental music

Favourite Sport: Rugby

Favourite Website: I have a number of favourite news and industry websites that I try to follow every day

Hobbies: Devoting time to my charitable foundation, spending time with my family, boating, photography and flying

Car: Bentley

Pets: Two Jack Russells

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Paralysis by analysis

Favourite Other South African Company: SABMiller

Favourite Foreign Company: Glencore