Andre van der Walt

14th November 2014

  

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Full Name: Andre van der Walt

Position: Functional head: power and energy at SMEC South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: SMEC is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy

Date and Place of Birth: October 5, 1969, Springs

Education: University of Stellenbosch, MBA, 2005; University of Stellenbosch, B B&A (Hons), 2002; Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg), MEng (electrical and electronic engineering – cum laude); 1997; University of Pretoria, BEng (Hons) (electrical – energy systems – cum laude), 1996; Rand Afrikaans University, BEng (electrical and electronic engineering), 1993

First Job: Engineer in training, Eskom Transmission (as a bursary student)

Career History Prior to Current Position: Functional head: power and energy at SMEC South Africa, since 2013; consulting practices manager at WorleyParsons South Africa, 2012 to 2013; business unit manager: management services at WorleyParsons South Africa, 2008 to 2013; Libya country manager, KV3 Engineers, 2007 to 2008; technical director: electrical at Kwezi V3 Engineers, 2002 to 2007; technical director: electrical at V3 Consulting Engineers, 1997 to 2002; technology group associate: electrical, senior engineers, at Eskom, 1995 to 1997; transmission expansion planning engineer at Eskom, 1992 to 1995

Size of First Pay Packet: R3 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Current position

Value of Assets under Your Control: My team is currently involved in a number of large infrastructure projects with a combined capital value of more than R1.47-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: We have a start-up team of 15 electrical and mechanical engineers that leverage off the existing company resource base of 850 staff in South Africa

Management Style: Collaboration (team leverage always achieves more) and solutions driven (there is always a plan that can be made)
Personal Best Achievement: Academic honorary colours at the University Pretoria

Professional Best Achievement: Successfully opening up a new consulting engineering firm for KV3 Engineers in Libya in 2007

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Many people, but great leaders (the ones who care more about others than themselves) inspire me the most

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My career progress was always built on solid performance from my team – they make me look good

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Bono, the leader of the band U2

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Bill Venter, who built up a multibillion-rand company from scratch during some very challenging times

Philosophy of Life: Balance

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Still to come

Biggest Ever Disappointment: That South Africa has lost so many talented engineers that are now adding value abroad, including personal friends

Hope for the Future: That the smart young black leaders I see in business today rise and transform the South African politics of tomorrow

Favourite Reading: Biographies

Favourite TV Programme: Top Gear (UK)

Favourite Food/Drink: Hickory-smoked ribs (Memphis style) and a single Jack Daniels on the rocks

Favourite Music: I love all music – from Vivaldi to Queen

Favourite Sport: One-day cricket

Favourite Website: www.cheapflights.co.za and similar sites

Hobbies: Collecting and playing vinyl records as well as travelling

Car: Land Cruiser

Pets: Two dachshunds, Lillie and Tammy

Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who damage society for their own personal gain

Favourite Other South African Company: WBHO

Favourite Foreign Company: Google

Married: To Sonja, for 22 years now

Children: Reuben, 16; Bernice, 14

Clubs: Past chairperson of Consulting Engineers South Africa’s North Gauteng branch

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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