Full Name: Andrew David Bahlmann

Position: MD of Deal Leaders Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Date and Place of Birth: February 13, 1974, Johannesburg

Education: BCom (marketing), BCTA, CTA, CA(SA)

First Job: Own business

Career History Prior to Current Position: Entrepreneur, articled clerk with Grant Thornton; Sage Insurance Bermuda; CFO, WesBank Corporate; CFO, WesBank (Corporate, Motor and Fleet divisions); entrepreneur/ business owner – IntelStrat Consulting; MD, Xigo (M&A)

Size of First Pay Packet: R4 000 a month

First Job with Present Group: This is my own business

Value of Assets under Your Control: Deal Leaders Africa is a consulting business, so it does not have material assets

Number of People under Your Leadership: 18

Management Style: Decisive, consultative, leading from the front and the middle

Personal Best Achievement: Not stated

Professional Best Achievement: Building Deal Leaders Africa out of a very adverse situation and growing the business decisively in a very short time

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late mother

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: A close friend who is now a retired corporate attorney – he has always been a sounding board and a massive support throughout my journey

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Elon Musk

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Again, Elon Musk – he is redefining the future, and not merely building businesses

Philosophy of Life: The journey of life is filled with challenges, but gratitude for what you have in your life forms the foundation that empowers you to weather the storms

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Deal Leaders Africa

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Partnering with the wrong people

Hope for the Future: I truly believe in the future of South Africa and truly hope that we can recover from the years of plunder

Favourite Reading: I am currently reading Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. I enjoy business literature, science fiction and futuristic insights

Favourite TV Programme: Mr. Robot and Billions

Favourite Food/Drink: Sushi

Favourite Music: Rock, alternative and movie soundtracks

Favourite Sport: Rugby

Favourite Website: LinkedIn

Hobbies: Cooking, reading

Car: BMW M3

Pets: A miniature schnauzer called Coco

Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who lack manners and honour

Favourite Other South African Company: Discovery

Favourite Foreign Company: Space X

Married: I am engaged to Tanya da Costa and will be getting married on December 8 in the Maldives

Children: Chloe ,12; Christian (stepson-to-be), 11

Clubs: None