Full Name: Robert Alan Oswald

Position: MD of Robor Galvanizers

Main Activity of the Company: Hot-dip zinc galvanising

Date and Place of Birth: 1954, Sunderland, England

Education: A Levels, CA (SA)

First Job: Auditor at AJL Lewis Burroughs & Co

Size of First Pay Packet: R100 a month

Value of Assets under Your Control: Market capitalisation of R120-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 450

Management Style: Open-door and respect for individuals

Personal Best Achievement: Negotiating the management buyout of Robor out of Barloworld

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: John Gomersall (PPC)

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Mike Coward

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Eli Goldratt

Philosophy of Life: Treat others as you would like to be treated

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being appointed CFO of Robor

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not getting full buy-in to theory of constraints in company

Hope for the Future: That a way is found to increase productive jobs in South Africa before it is too late

Favourite Reading: African fiction and general business reading

Favourite TV Programme: All sport, Glee, Homeland

Favourite Food/Drink: Chicken/ beer and red wine

Favourite Music: All genres

Favourite Sport: Cricket and golf

Hobbies: Golf

Car: Lexus 300GS

Pets: Alsatian and cross Cairns terrier

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Foul language

Married: To Sally

Children: Bobby, 34; Graeme, 31; Kealy 28

Clubs: Roodepoort Country Club