Full Name: Trevor Christopher Raman
Position: President and CEO of Saab Grintek Defence
Main Activity of the Company: Saab Grintek Defence is a South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities that include electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, command and control, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets
Date and Place of Birth: December 22, 1969. I grew up in the little town of Tongaat, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal
Education: BSc (Hons) (mechanical engineering), MBA (Aerospace)
First Job: I was employed by the Aero-Systems Division os Armscor in 1995
Career History Prior to Current Position: I have held various engineering and management positions in defence acquisition, design and development, and research and development
Size of First Pay Packet: R65 000 a year
First Job with Present Group: President and CEO
Value of Assets under Your Control: R1.5-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: Over 650 at two campuses in Pretoria and Cape Town
Management Style: A combination of styles, and I guess I could be called the 'permissive democrat'
Personal Best Achievement: With the help of my understanding wife and children, I have been able to maintain a healthy balance between my personal life and my professional career
Professional Best Achievement: Leading the Gripen Weapon System development, production and implementation as Gripen programme manager, development of the Armscor Intellectual Property Policy and the creation of the Innovation Division to implement the policy
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My parents
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I would feel very fortunate to meet India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: My philosophy is to surround myself with people who are honest, respectful, willing to share their knowledge and are generally happy for me. I also believe that a person’s wealth is not measured by a bank account, the size of a house or the car they drive, but rather by a person’s life experiences
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Living abroad with my family for ten years
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I have not encountered any serious disappointments to date
Hope for the Future: The eradication of racism, prejudice and intolerance in South Africa
Favourite Reading: Books about business, finance, investment and leadership. One of my favourite books is Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus.
Favourite TV Programme: Suits, The Daily Show, Sci-Fi
Favourite Food/Drink: Thai and Indian food/tea – I do enjoy the occasional good scotch or red wine
Favourite Music: I have always enjoyed all types of music, but my favourites are U2, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Santana and, more recently, Coldplay, Ed Sheeren and Taylor Swift
Favourite Sport: Golf and an occasional soccer match with our family soccer club
Favourite Website: Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org)
Hobbies: Reading, travelling and a round of golf every now and then
Car: Audi Q5
Pets: Two golden retrievers named Shyloh and Tuve
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and corruption
Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol
Favourite Foreign Company: General Electric
Married: To Sharinthra, since September 16, 1996
Children: Trishanta, 19; Shyam, 16
Clubs: The Curry Cup, our family soccer and social club