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