Full Name: Carsten Larsen
Position: MD of Dow Southern Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Dow manufactures plastics, chemicals and agricultural products for sectors such as electronics, water, energy, agriculture, construction and coatings
Date and Place of Birth: December 14, 1973, Denmark
Education: BSc (international business), Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
First Job: All-round trainee at Dow Water Solutions
Career History Prior to Current Position: I occupied several commercial, business development and management roles within Dow, working across various markets in Europe, India, the Middle East and Africa
Size of First Pay Packet: 5 000 Danish krone (R10 000)
First Job with Present Group: Customer service representative in Stockholm, Sweden
Number of People under Your Leadership: 198
Management Style: Results orientated, inspirational, motivational, fair and inclusive
Personal Best Achievement: The birth of my two children
Professional Best Achievement: My career at Dow and leading the company in one of the most strategic growth markets
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents, my wife and my children
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Michael Emery, commercial director of Dow Oil & Gas Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Michael Laudrup, the legendary Barcelona and Real Madrid footballer and one of the greatest players in the history of football
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever
Philosophy of Life: Treat people the way you want to be treated
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Relocating to South Africa to head Dow Southern Africa
Biggest Ever Disappointment: My father's passing away 12 years ago. I miss the future we will not have together
Hope for the Future: That Africa finds the right formula to continue to prosper
Favourite Reading: Inferno, by American author Dan Brown
Favourite TV Programme: British Premier League
Favourite Food/Drink: Braaivleis and a glass of South African Shiraz red wine
Favourite Music: Imagine Dragons
Favourite Sport: Badminton
Favourite Website: www.dow.com
Hobbies: Fitness, tennis, cycling and wine tasting
Car: Audi Q5
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who do not walk the talk
Favourite Other South African Company: Several local companies whose leadership and qualities I admire
Favourite Foreign Company: Novo Nordisk
Married: To Natasha, since 2006
Children: Sienna, 7; Rio, 5
Clubs: American Chamber of Commerce, Virgin Active