Full Name: Carl Vernon Watson
Position: MD of Beka Schréder
Main Activity of the Company: Manufacturer of luminaires and glass-reinforced plastic poles Date and Place of Birth: January 8, 1958, Leeds, England
Education: Electrical engineering
First Job: Paper round delivery
Career History Prior to Current Position: Unilever, 1977 to 1984; ABB, 1984 to 201
Size of First Pay Packet: R100 a week
First Job with Present Group: MD Value of Assets under Your Control: Yearly turnover of R500-million Number of People under
Your Leadership: 330 Management Style: Open door, team leader, mentor – I believe people are what makes any business a success Personal Best Achievement: Not stated Professional Best Achievement: Not stated Person Who Has Had the Biggest
Influence on Your Life: My mother
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: A past manager, Eyton Wulfshon
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Sir Simon Rattle Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sir Richard Branson
Philosophy of Life: Be fair and honest, and treat people with respect Biggest Ever Opportunity: Coming to South Africa as a young man
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not using the available opportunities when I was at school
Hope for the Future: That we make South Africa the country Nelson Mandela dreamed of
Favourite Reading: Science fiction
Favourite TV Programme: News and sports
Favourite Food/Drink: Italian/red wine
Favourite Music: Classic romantic er
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Favourite Website: News24
Hobbies: Hiking, golf, motorbike riding and mounting bike riding
Car: BMW X6
Pets: Three cats and koi
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Bad drivers and e-tolling
Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol
Favourite Foreign Company: ABB Married: To Claire, since February 2001
Children: Jessica, 1
Clubs: BMW Motor Bike Club