Full Name: Mathieu du Plooy
Position: CEO of WSP Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Professional services
Date and Place of Birth: October 31, 1974, Cape Town
Education: BTech (Eng), MCom, MBA
First Job: Trainee engineer
Career History Prior to Current Position: TVE, Wormald (UK) and WSP
Size of First Pay Packet: R2 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Project engineer
Value of Assets under Your Control: Our people are our greatest asset – and they are priceless!
Number of People under Your Leadership: 700
Management Style: Open, honest and direct
Personal Best Achievement: The journey so far
Professional Best Achievement: Working with my team to engage our people and unlock their potential
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My family and friends
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I am blessed to have had many people who have supported me in my career so far. I remain appreciative of the ongoing support.
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Barack Obama
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jack Welch
Philosophy of Life: Live life with no regrets
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Life – meeting people from around the world
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Meeting people who are not comfortable in their own skin
Hope for the Future: A prosperous South Africa for all
Favourite Reading: The Jack Reacher and Spider Shepherd series, as well as works by Deon Meyer
Favourite TV Programme: I prefer to rent movies and watch on demand
Favourite Food/Drink: Anything that is lite and tasty, complemented by an appropriate drink
Favourite Music: I am blessed with an appreciation for most music
Favourite Sport: My son’s Under 8 rugby and cricket games
Favourite Website: www.google.com – it resolves most dinner party debates!
Hobbies: Mountain biking, playing golf and spending time with my family
Car: Volvo
Pets: Pilchard, a cat
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who lose touch with who they are
Favourite Other South African Company: Shoprite
Favourite Foreign Company: Richemont
Married: To Hazel, since 2003
Children: David, 8; Keryn, 5
Clubs: Parkview Golf Club