Full Name: Ralph Brian Mills
Position: CEO of Paramount Advanced Technologies
Main Activity of the Company: System integration and mission systems in the defence, land, air, sea and security sectors
Date and Place of Birth: January 22, 1964, Chingola, Zambia
Education: Bachelor of Military Sciences, South African Military Academy; MBL, University of South Africa School of Business Leadership
First Job: Soldier in the South African Defence Force
Career History Prior to Current Position: A total of 14 years in the defence force and ten years each with Thales South Africa and Denel
Size of First Pay Packet: About R180
First Job with Present Group: COO of Paramount Advanced Technologies
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: Nearly 300
Management Style: I have become more participative since my military days, but I will not shy away from being autocratic, if necessary
Personal Best Achievement: My son
Professional Best Achievement: As a soldier, qualifying as a paratrooper and a master gunner; as a civilian, establishing and leading the team that turned around what was a very difficult defence contract
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Not stated
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: The exceptional commanders I served under during my military career
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: King Abdullah II of Jordan – a soldier and ruler who leads from the front
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Alec Erwin – his work ethic is unbelievable
Philosophy of Life: You can be a peacock today and a feather duster tomorrow; do not let rank, title, position or wealth influence what you really are – a human being, first and foremost
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Joining the Paramount group
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not stated
Hope for the Future: World peace
Favourite Reading: I have read a lot – from both volumes of War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, to Louis L’Amour, but my favourite is the A Song of Fire and Ice series, by George Martin, which led to the Game of Thrones TV series
Favourite TV Programme: I do not watch much TV
Favourite Food/Drink: Just about anything
Favourite Music: I am a bit of a hippy at heart and take West African Djembe classes, so I tend towards native-origin music, aboriginal music, and so on
Favourite Sport: I have participated in about 12 sporting codes, but nothing really stands out as a favourite. I enjoy the camaraderie that comes with team sports and I tend to be a bit competitive at times – I was once sent off a volleyball court for aggressive play
Favourite Website: Probably 1x.com – it features the most stunning photography you will ever see
Hobbies: Many – fly-fishing, mountain biking, semiprofessional photography (I teach photography from time to time), knife making and metal work. I also play and restore West African Djembes and take part in adventure motorcycling
Car: Cars are just a means of transport to me – you will almost always find me on my bike, a BMW 1200 GS Adventure
Pets: Sarge – a very grumpy Shar Pei
Miscellaneous Dislikes: A lack of integrity and self-discipline
Favourite Other South African Company: Not stated
Favourite Foreign Company: Not stated
Married: To Joanne
Children: Nathan, 19
Clubs: Not stated