Full Name: John Sheath

Position: CEO of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Promoting excellence and innovation in the use of concrete

Date and Place of Birth: July 21, 1946, Southampton, England

Education: Chartered marketer

First Job: Sales administrator at Borden Chemical UK

Career History Prior to Current Position: Marketing director of Fosroc from 1985 to 1996 and marketing manager of the Cement and Concrete Institute from 1996 to 2009

Size of First Pay Packet: £7 a week

First Job with Present Group: CEO

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: Not stated

Management Style: Firm but fair, and leading by example

Personal Best Achievement: Immigrating to South Africa and achieving most of my personal goals

Professional Best Achievement: Qualifying as a chartered marketer

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Borden Chemical UK MD John King

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela

Business person Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs

Philosophy of Life: Life is what we make it – always has been, always will be

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Coming to South Africa

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not seeing my nephews and nieces in the UK grow up

Hope for the Future: That there is less crime, less poverty and more happy people

Favourite Reading: Business Day, Car and biographies

Favourite TV Programme: Formula 1

Favourite Food/Drink: Thai/Pinotage

Favourite Music: Solid Gold

Favourite Sport: Soccer (Barclays Premier League)

Favourite Website: www.nationalgeographic.com

Hobbies: DIY, helping others

Car: Honda Accord

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Insincerity and procrastination

Favourite Other South African Company: Standard Bank

Favourite Foreign Company: American Express

Married: To Mollie since September 2, 1967

Children: Mathew, 38; Caroline, 35

Clubs: Virgin Active