Full Name: Ernest Edwin Ludick
Position: MD of AEL Intelligent Blasting and chairperson of AECI Mining Solutions
Main Activity of the Company: AEL Intelligent Blasting is a developer, producer and supplier of commercial explosives
Date and Place of Birth: July 15, 1964
Education: BCom (Hons) (business economics), University of South Africa, 1989
First Job: Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
Career History Prior to Current Position: After completing compulsory miltary service at the DCS, I joined Gypsum Industries as human capital manager, leaving in 1991 to join AECI in a similar position. I also served as salesperson, sales director and MD of four of the chemicals businesses. I later joined the executive of AECI and chaired several businesses within the group
Size of First Pay Packet: About R300 a month
First Job with Present Group: Human capital manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R5-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: 4 000
Management Style: In some instances, I tell someone what to do and, in many others, I just delegate
Personal Best Achievement: I was a Springbok athlete (high jump) in 1984
Professional Best Achievement: Six reporting periods of double-digit trading profit growth at AEL
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My wife
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: George Foreman – great sportsperson, businessperson and preacher
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Patrice Motsepe (South African) and Warren Buffett (international)
Philosophy of Life: The world owes you nothing
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Joining AECI as an executive and helping to lead the 100-year-old group into the future
Biggest Ever Disappointment: My father’s death at 61
Hope for the Future: That the politicians make South Africa more attractive for investors
Favourite Reading: Any short book about leadership or selling
Favourite TV Programme: SuperSport
Favourite Food/Drink: Spaghetti Bolognese and a good wine
Favourite Music: Billy Joel – soft rock; I also enjoy country music.
Favourite Sport: Athletics, rugby and cricket
Favourite Website: Khan Academy – free education!
Hobbies: Golf
Car: Jaguar XF
Pets: Dogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Green wine gums and people who dwell on the past
Favourite other South African company: Investec
Favourite Foreign Company: Coca-Cola
Married: Sanette (née Trieloff), since December 13, 1986
Children: Kim, 29; Sasha-Lee, 27; Willem, 22
Clubs: Centurion Golf Club