Full Name: Brandon Bekker
Position: MD of Mimecast Africa and the Middle East
Main Activity of the Company: Mimecast makes business emails and data safer for thousands of customers and their millions of employees worldwide
Date and Place of Birth: July 20, 1973, Cape Town
Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Stellenbosch
First Job: I worked in information technology sales
Career History Prior to Current Position: I have been with Mimecast since the beginning of 2008. Before being appointed for Africa and the Middle East, I served as regional and sales director and then MD of Mimecast South Africa. Prior to joining Mimecast, I managed Internet Solutions’ Cape Town business, after which I worked as sales director of Dimension Data
Size of First Pay Packet: R3 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: Sales and regional director, Mimecast South Africa
Value of Assets under Your Control: More than 5 000 customers across Africa and the Middle East
Number of People under Your Leadership: More than 130
Management Style: I am available, approachable and walk the floors to try to get to know everyone in the organisation. I set clear goals and priorities that everyone can understand
Personal Best Achievement: Being picked for the Western Province rugby team in 1998
Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as MD of Mimecast Middle East and Africa in March 2013
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: No one person stands out; I have been influenced by numerous people
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Again, I cannot think of any one person
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Usain Bolt
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: I am a fan of Jack Welch and, more recently, Satya Nadella
Philosophy of Life: Always be kind
Biggest Ever Opportunity: It is still coming
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing my father at a young age
Hope for the Future: A thriving South Africa without all the violent crime
Favourite Reading: I enjoy autobiographies (business and sport) and I like trawling for nuggets on LinkedIn
Favourite TV Programme: Of late, I have enjoyed Dragon’s Den
Favourite Food/Drink: Indian and Peruvian food/good wine
Favourite Music: AC/DC for rock and Hootie, Crowded House and The Parlotones for more chilled listening. Locally, I like Arno Carstens
Favourite Sport: Rugby, running and squash
Favourite Website: Tedtalks
Hobbies: Reading, relaxing with my family, running the odd marathon, playing league squash and playing veterans rugby in various parts of the world for Hamilton’s Dynamiters, the oldest rugby club in South Africa
Car: Porsche 911
Pets: A French bulldog and a cat
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Queues, bad losers, excuses and being rushed
Favourite Other South African Company: Investec, Growthpoint, OUTsurance, Woolworths and Virgin Active
Favourite Foreign Company: Emirates
Married: To Christina, since November 25, 2006
Children: Bianca, 10; Amber-Jade, 8
Clubs: Hamilton’s Rugby Club