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