Full Name: Cobus van Schalkwyk
Position: Operations manager: electric power
Main Activity of the Company: The design and supply of power generation systems
Date and Place of Birth: August 24, 1980, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal
Education: North-West University, BEng (electrical and electronic), 2004; University of South Africa, BCom (management), 2013
First Job: Engineer-in-training, Actom Industry (previously Alstom Industry)
Career History Prior to Current Position: Actom Industry, from 2004 to 2012 – engineer-in-training, junior applications engineer, applications engineer, lead applications engineer, chief engineer, general sales and contracts manager
Size of First Pay Packet: R156 000 a year (cost to company)
First Job with Present Group: Operation manager: electric power
Value of Assets under Your Control: I would rather not disclose
Number of People under Your Leadership: 78
Management Style: Consultative
Personal Best Achievement: Completing a BCom degree part-time, while trying to balance work and personal life
Professional Best Achievement: Being promoted to chief engineer after only five years of joining Actom
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Sybrand Nel
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Mark Mencel, by a country mile
Philosophy of Life: Do everything to the best of your ability – always
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Receiving a bursary to study engineering
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not completing my engineering degree within four years, but at least I got a wonderful wife out of the deal
Hope for the Future: Being able to spend more time with my family
Favourite Reading: None
Favourite TV Programme: Mainly sport
Favourite Food/Drink: Anything my wife makes for me
Favourite Music: Alternative rock
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: None
Car: Volvo XC60
Pets: A dog
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Making excuses for not doing one’s job, inconsiderate people
Favourite Other South African Company: Not stated
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Married: To Heleen Prince, since December 2006
Children: Lana, 2
Clubs: None