Full Name: Junai A Maharaj
Position: MD of Buckman Africa
Main Activity of the Company: The provision of world-class chemical solutions that realise measurable improvement in profitability, productivity, quality and sustainability
Date and Place of Birth: December 27, 1973, Durban
Education: CA(SA)
First Job: Vacation work while studying – I was a delivery assistant for Blue Ribbon Bakeries. My first permanent job was as a trainee accountant and auditor
Career History Prior to Current Position: Audit and business advisory manager with Andersen & Co, financial manager with Buckman and GM: operations with Buckman
Size of First Pay Packet: R3 000 a year
First Job with Present Group: Financial manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R230-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 200
Management Style: It depends on the circumstances, but it is mostly coaching and participative
Personal Best Achievement: My children
Professional Best Achievement: Developing a strong collaborative team that is aligned and focused on delivering results
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father – for his guidance and encouragement; and my son – for his perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles thrown at him
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My previous boss and also my coach and mentor – Leigh Mann
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs
Philosophy of Life: What you put in is what you get out
Biggest Ever Opportunity: A second to chance at life after being hijacked by three armed robbers in 1998 and meeting and learning from the best while studying at Stanford, in the US – these included former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Intel founder and chairperson Andrew Grove
Biggest Ever Disappointment: The 1999 cricket World Cup run-out
Hope for the Future: That we find sustainable solutions to poverty and crime in our beautiful country
Favourite Reading: The Art of Living – Epictetus
Favourite TV Programme: Carte Blanche
Favourite Food/Drink: Wood-fired pizza
Favourite Music: Eric Clapton
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Favourite Website: Amazon.com
Hobbies: Reading, swimming, travel and movies
Car: Mercedes-Benz C Class
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Those calls where they try to sell you another cellphone contract or another credit card
Favourite Other South African Company: MTN
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Married: To Reesha for 13 years
Children: Jurique, 12; Jyotika, 7
Clubs: Family time is more important now – maybe when we have an empty nest