Full Name: John Bell

Position: MD of FleetPro

Main Activity of the Company: Fleet management software solutions

Date and Place of Birth: June 30, 1951, Leeds, England

Education: Mainly in the electrical engineering field

First Job: Rose Forgrove apprenticeMD of

Career History Prior to Current Position: I ran my own fleet management company supplying services to blue-chip companies

Size of First Pay Packet: It was a long time ago but vaguely remember it was something like two pounds three and six, which I gave to my mother, who gave me a pound back to spend

First Job with Present Group: MD

Value of Assets under Your Control: Our assets comprise our programme software, which we own and is currently valued at R30-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: Ten directly and another 80 to 100 using the system on a regular basis at our customers sites

Management Style: Hard work with lots of fun. You need to be able to smile in this business

Personal Best Achievement: My wife and my two daughters

Professional Best Achievement: Over the years, working with some of the best fleet minds in the world, many of whom are friends today

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: A few people have made that category, including Ralph Bruton, who taught me about banking, and Arthur Mutlow, who showed me to be brave and bold and enjoy life

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: It really has to be a chap called Geoff De Larue, who recruited me for Standard Bank back in 1982

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Pope Francis would be a good start – he seems a great guy

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: The lady who got the Lego franchise – she passes me in her Ferrari every day

Philosophy of Life: Live it to the full – full throttle all the way

Biggest Ever Opportunity: FleetPro, my company

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not shaking hands with Nelson Mandela; when he came to speak to me at Sandton City, I was so shocked I forgot to shake his hand

Hope for the Future: That I see some grandchildren

Favourite Reading: History and historical novels – we repeat the mistakes of the past

Favourite TV Programme: Game of Thrones – just like South African politics, but less gruesome

Favourite Food/Drink: It has to be red wine – one of the best reasons for living in South Africa

Favourite Music: I am an eighties fan but I grew up with Rod Stewart

Favourite Sport: Arthur Mutlow introduced me to rugby and I thank him but I am still an avid Leeds United football fan – one of four in the country, including the Chief, Lucas Radebe

Favourite Website: Google

Hobbies: Camping in the bush. I am also an avid handyman, with some fishing when I get the chance

Car: My first car was a Ford and my last one will probably be as well. I currently drive a Ford Territory AW

Pets: I have a house full of animals – none was chosen by me but I love each one of them dearly

Miscellaneous Dislikes: The negative thoughts I sometimes have about my adopted country, South Africa

Favourite Other South African Company: Altron. I have to admit it – I am a Venter fan

Favourite Foreign Company: Emirates, which just gets it so right (upgrades appreciated)

Married: To Patricia, since 1989

Children: Ashleigh, 31; Amy, 21

Clubs: Fourways Gardens