Full Name: Grant Edward Neser
Position: MD of Jo Jo Tanks
Main Activity of the Company: Marketing, production, sales and distribution of roto-moulded PE tanks, containers and technology-specific industrial products
Date and Place of Birth: Pretoria, May 1, 1963
Education: MEng (civil), University of Stellenbosch; BCom, University of South Africa
First Job: Assistant district harbour engineer, Port of Durban
Career History Prior to Current Position: I started as a bursar at Transnet and worked in the construction industry before joining the Industrial Development Corporation and then SA Block and later Alpha/AfriSam, where I worked for 18 years. I spent most of my career in operations in the Aggregate and Readymix business but also in sales and marketing. I held the positions of COO: Aggregate and Readymix, and sales and marketing executive
Size of First Pay Packet: Not Sure – but it did not go very far!
First Job with Present Group: MD
Value of Assets under Your Control: R572-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: Between 380 and 400
Management Style: Open-door and consultative, but I will adapt to the situation as required. I pursue operational excellence in the ‘here and now’, but focus most of my energy on crafting a future
Personal Best Achievement: Being part of a happy and healthy family, and being a good friend and a successful mentor to various colleagues along the way
Professional Best Achievement: I have had several career highlights but no specific achievement that I would single out
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Various entrepreneurs who have inspired me
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Muhammad Ali, Ernie Els or Thuli Madonsela
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Brand Pretorius and Phuthuma Nhleko
Philosophy of Life: Commitment to the truth and treating people fairly and with respect – always, admire excellence in all its forms
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being made head of the AfriSam Aggregate and Readmix business unit in January 2003, just as the world economic supercycle started
Biggest Ever Disappointment: A major capital project that ran very badly and a particularly harrowing workplace accident – both took place on my watch
Hope for the Future: That South Africa gets to benefit from quality, principled political leadership
Favourite Reading: Scientific or sociopolitical nonfiction, understanding the present by analysing the past
Favourite TV Programme: Modern Family, Billions, Blue Bloods and sport
Favourite Food/Drink: Red meat paired with a good red wine. Also enjoy craft beer after exercising
Favourite Music: I listen to almost anything, but if I had to pick a favourite genre, it would be folk rock
Favourite Sport: Mountain-biking and golf (as a participant) and rugby and soccer (as a spectator)
Favourite Website: Wikipedia – just so useful
Hobbies: Watching TV, reading, exercise, writing
Car: Audi A4 Allroad
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Bigotry and arrogance, being oversold to – it is a trigger for me
Favourite Other South African Company: RMB
Favourite Foreign Company: Google and Apple
Married: To Debbie, since February 27, 1997
Children: Joshua, 18; Jade, 15
Clubs: Country Club Johannesburg, Virgin Active