Full Name: Nils Flaatten
Position: CEO of Wesgro since June 2010
Main Activity of the Company: Promoting tourism, trade and investment in the Western Cape
Date and Place of Birth: November 1, 1969, Wynberg
Education: BA, Stellenbosch University, 1995
First Job: Trainee manager at OK Bazaars
Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember
First Job with Present Group: Senior manager – investment promotion
Career History Prior to Current Position: Barclays Global Investors, Jersey, Channel Islands, 1989 to 1999; Citigroup, Hong Kong, 2000 to 2004; Capco, London, 2004 to 2005; Wesgrow, 2006 to 2007; Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, Development Planning and Economic Development, 2008 to 2009; African Carbon Trust, 2009
Value of Assets under Your Control: R55-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 60
Management Style: Pragmatic and focused on achievement
Personal Best Achievement: Dogsled racing in the US
Professional Best Achievement: Being awarded the Saldanha Bay industrial development zone operator’s permit. We completed a feasibility study, a business plan, a case study and an application within 26 months
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My maternal grandmother
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Uzair Bawany, my first recruitment consultant
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The Dalai Lama
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jannie Mouton
Philosophy of Life: When you make decisions, own them
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Moving to work for Citigroup in Hong Kong
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Too many to mention
Hope for the Future: A South Africa that is focused and earns a global reputation for innovation and delivery
Favourite Reading: Autobiographies
Favourite TV Programme: Homeland
Favourite Food/Drink: Pepper steak/craft beer
Favourite Music: Rolling Stones and U2
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Favourite Website: My PSG stock broking account
Hobbies: Sailing, genealogy and watching live sport
Car: A 2011 model Audi A4
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who create expectations with no belief that they will ever deliver
Favourite Other South African Company: PSG, Invicta, HCI and Naspers
Favourite Foreign Company: None
Married: To Michelle (née Du Plessis), since June 4, 2011
Children: Oskar, nine months
Clubs: Royal Cape Yacht Club and the Cape Town Club