Full Name: Carl Vernon Watson

Position: MD of Beka Schréder

Main Activity of the Company: Manufacturer of luminaires and glass-reinforced plastic poles Date and Place of Birth: January 8, 1958, Leeds, England

Education: Electrical engineering

First Job: Paper round delivery

Career History Prior to Current Position: Unilever, 1977 to 1984; ABB, 1984 to 201

Size of First Pay Packet: R100 a week

First Job with Present Group: MD Value of Assets under Your Control: Yearly turnover of R500-million Number of People under

Your Leadership: 330 Management Style: Open door, team leader, mentor – I believe people are what makes any business a success Personal Best Achievement: Not stated Professional Best Achievement: Not stated Person Who Has Had the Biggest

Influence on Your Life: My mother

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: A past manager, Eyton Wulfshon

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Sir Simon Rattle Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sir Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Be fair and honest, and treat people with respect Biggest Ever Opportunity: Coming to South Africa as a young man

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not using the available opportunities when I was at school

Hope for the Future: That we make South Africa the country Nelson Mandela dreamed of

Favourite Reading: Science fiction

Favourite TV Programme: News and sports

Favourite Food/Drink: Italian/red wine

Favourite Music: Classic romantic er

Favourite Sport: Cricket

Favourite Website: News24

Hobbies: Hiking, golf, motorbike riding and mounting bike riding

Car: BMW X6

Pets: Three cats and koi

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Bad drivers and e-tolling

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol

Favourite Foreign Company: ABB Married: To Claire, since February 2001

Children: Jessica, 1

Clubs: BMW Motor Bike Club