Full Name: Ian Cilliè
Position: MD of SKF Southern Africa
Main Activity of the Company: SKF Southern Africa provides engineered solutions, specialising in bearings, seals, mechatronics, power and transmission and mechanical services through SKF South Africa and lubrication and fire suppression systems through Lincoln South Africa
Date and Place of Birth: 1970, Cape Town
Education: BA (law), University of the Witwatersrand; MBA, Milpark Business School
First Job: Trainee manager
Career History Prior to Current Position: Not stated
Size of First Pay Packet: Hardly enough to survive on – but it came with a small company car
First Job with Present Group: MD
Value of Assets under Your Control: R600-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 290
Management Style: Participative and decisive
Personal Best Achievement: Not stated
Professional Best Achievement: Current position
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My farther, John, who managed a variety of companies without losing the personal touch with employees and customers
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: None
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Sir Edmund Hillary
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: Walk with integrity
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Managing the SKF Southern Africa team
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I do not dwell on negatives
Hope for the Future: A South Africa that our children will be proud to call home
Favourite Reading: I love my Kindle; on it, you will find a variety of topics: history, crime, autobiographies, and so on
Favourite TV Programme: RT News, History Channel
Favourite Food/Drink: Sushi/ South African red wine
Favourite Music: Sting
Favourite Sport: Running and mountain biking
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Camping, 4 X 4 vehicles and scuba
Car: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Pets: Two Labradors – black and golden
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Unethical business practice
Favourite Other South African Company: Joy Global
Favourite Foreign Company: Tesla
Married: To Denise, for 22 years
Children: Tyla, 21; Bronwyn, 19
Clubs: Virgin Active