Full Name: Anton Hanekom

Position: Executive director of Plastics South Africa (SA)

Main Activity of the Company: Plastics SA is an industry body that represents the full value chain in the plastics industry

Date and Place of Birth: Kimberley, May 4, 1962

Education: MCom (industrial psychology)

First Job: Clerk

Career History Prior to Current Position: I held various management positions in the transport, automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, social development and chemicals sectors

Size of First Pay Packet: R650 a month

First Job with Present Group: Training director, 1998

Value of Assets under Your Control: R22-million; an industry gross domestic product of R50-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: 35 direct and more than 60 000 in the industry

Management Style: Open door, consultative

Personal Best Achievement: Setting up the Plastics SA training division as a sustainable business unit

Professional Best Achievement: Changing the direction of Plastics SA’s vision and activities so that the organisation is more aligned with the needs of the industry and to ensure future growth

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Every person I have crossed paths with has contributed to my growth and career

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Thuli Madonsela

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Christo Wiese, Elon Musk

Philosophy of Life: Focus on what you want to achieve and do not give up until you have achieved it

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Influencing the future of the plastics industry by helping to raise awareness of the importance of plastics recycling, identifying and developing future growth prospects and setting the training agenda

Biggest Ever Disappointment: I have not encountered any serious disappointments to date

Hope for the Future: That there is economic growth, employment and prosperity for all

Favourite Reading: Inspirational books about business and personal development, such as On Becoming a Leader, by Warren Bennis

Favourite TV Programme: Sport programmes

Favourite Food/Drink: Pizza, curry dishes/a good red wine (Merlot)

Favourite Music: Easy listening music

Favourite Sport: Athletics and squash

Favourite Website: Photography sites

Hobbies: Photography

Car: Hyundai iX35

Pets: Two Jack Russells

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Incompetence, dishonesty and corruption

Favourite Other South African Company: Coronation Fund Managers

Favourite Foreign Company: Virgin Atlantic

Married: To Anneke, since April 7, 1990

Children: Anmari, 24, who is in publishing; Schalk, 22, who is studying law

Clubs: I volunteer at New Hope School, in Pretoria