Full Name: Arend Jacobus du Preez
Position: MD of KWE
Main Activity of the Company: Freight forwarding and logistics
Date and Place of Birth: May 14, 1968, Bloemfontein
Education: BCom, University of Pretoria; BProc, University of South Africa
First Job: Legal articled clerk
Career History Prior to Current Position: I practised as an attorney for ten years before becoming the legal adviser of South African Airways and GM: finance and administration at KWE
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 700 a month
First Job with Present Group: GM: finance and administration
Value of Assets under Your Control: Yearly turnover of R2-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 400
Management Style: Relaxed and performance driven – I like creating opportunities for staff
Personal Best Achievement: Selection to Northern Transvaal Under 23 cricket team against all odds
Professional Best Achievement: Becoming MD at KWE
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Terry Mohan (previous chairperson of Eversheds)
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Johan Rupert
Philosophy of Life: Do what you do to the best of your ability
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Still on the horizon
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Every time people let me down
Hope for the Future: Better education for our children – it is the key to our future
Favourite Reading: Biographies
Favourite TV Programme: CSI
Favourite Food/Drink: South African braai/good wine
Favourite Music: P!nk
Favourite Sport: Rugby and cricket
Favourite Website: KWE Project.com
Hobbies: Golf and wildlife
Car: Mercedes-Benz
Pets: German shepherd
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who think they are better than others
Favourite Other South African Company: Imperial Group
Favourite Foreign Company: Boeing
Married: To Ursula
Children: Chante, 12; Jacques, 10
Clubs: Institute of Directors and Kyalami Country Club