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