Full Name: Ismail Mapara
Position: MD of 3M South Africa and the Southern African Development Community region
Main Activity of the Company: 3M is a science- and technology-based company that produces thousands of products for the consumer, safety and graphics, electronics and energy, healthcare and industrial markets
Date and Place of Birth: July 11, 1970
Education: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Cleveland State University, Ohio, US
First Job: Engineer at Unilevers, 19 years ago
Career History Prior to Current Position: I have held a variety of positions at 3M, including MD: Pakistan, GM: Saudi Arabia and area business manager: Central and Eastern Europe, and Middle East and Africa
Size of First Pay Packet: $10 000 a year
First Job with Present Group: Technical support for 3M’s CGD business
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: 220
Management Style: Entrepreneurial style
Personal Best Achievement: Acquiring an academic degree, being happily married and being a father
Professional Best Achievement: All assignments in 3M have been satisfying and exciting
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Many supervisors
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Anyone who can share his or her experience and knowledge and from whom I can learn
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M
Philosophy of Life: Respect others and you will be respected in return
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Studying in the US
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: That there is peace in the world
Favourite Reading: Business books
Favourite TV Programme: Comedy shows like Friends and Seinfeld
Favourite Food/Drink: Water
Favourite Music: Bryan Adams
Favourite Sport: Golf
Favourite Website: Google
Hobbies: Golf, reading and fishing
Car: Not stated
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: None
Favourite Other South African Company: None
Favourite Foreign Company: None
Married: To Samrina
Children: Mahmood, 14; Sehar, 13; Zainab, 3
Clubs: Not stated