Full Name: Bongiwe Pityi

Position: GM of OR Tambo International Airport, since September 2014

Main Activity of the Company: Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA’s) mandate is to undertake the acquisition, establishment, development, provision, maintenance, management and control or operation of any airport, any part of any airport, or any facility or service at any airport normally related to the functioning of an airport

Date and Place of Birth: April 30, 1971, East London, Eastern Cape

Education: BA, University of Cape Town, 1992; Bachelor of Law, University of Natal (Durban)

First Job: Articled attorney, Kahla & Co Attorneys, 1997

Size of First Pay Packet: R1 300 a month

First Job with Present Group: Landside and car park operations manager

Career History Prior to Current Position: I joined ACSA in August 2000 and became GM of OR Tambo International Airport in 2014. I am an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and practised as an attorney for a few years before joining the aviation industry

Number of People under Your Leadership: 1 200

Management Style: Team leadership

Personal Best Achievement: Meeting and marrying the love of my life

Professional Best Achievement: Leading the transition of the first greenfield airport in South Africa, King Shaka International Airport, in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup and leading the testing, commissioning and go-live operations of a new passenger terminal at Guarulhos Airport, Sao Paulo, Brazil, in time for the 2014 FIFA Soccer World Cup

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence On Your Life: My father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Deon Cloete, current GM of Cape Town International Airport, and Terence Delomoney, current GM of King Shaka International Airport

Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Barack Obama

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: As my late dad used to say: “Always do the right thing”

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being the first female GM of the biggest airport in Africa, which turns 65 this year

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Being overlooked for a position in favour of a less qualified male candidate

Hope for the Future: A better economy and jobs for all

Favourite Reading: Biographies

Favourite TV Programme: Carte Blanche

Favourite Food/Drink: Samp and beans

Favourite Music: Classical

Favourite Sport: Tennis

Favourite Website: Google

Hobbies: Reading

Car: 2008 Range Rover Vogue

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and unethical behaviour

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol

Favourite Foreign Company: Apple

Married: Yes, to my soulmate

Children: Two beautiful adult stepdaughters, Vuyiseka and Khanyisa

Clubs: Johannesburg Country Club