Full Name: Jaresh Maharaj
Position: CEO of Indra Technology South Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Provision of solutions and services in the security and defence, transport and traffic, air traffic management, energy and industry, telecommunications and media, public administration, electoral processes, healthcare and financial services sectors
Date and Place of Birth: August 18, 1967, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Education: Information technology (IT) diploma, MLS; MSc, Maryland, US
First Job: Technician
Career History Prior to Current Position: IT operations manager, De Beers; service delivery manager, Siemens; CIO Department of Home Affairs; GM: IT services, Naspers
Size of First Pay Packet: R800 a month
First Job with Present Group: Country manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: 10
Management Style: Autocratic, but with a blend of democracy
Personal Best Achievement: My family
Professional Best Achievement: Turnaround of the New Home Affairs
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Barack Obama
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sir Ratan Tata
Philosophy of Life: Be the change you would like to see in the world – MK Gandhi
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Not stated
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not being able to meet Nelson Mandela
Hope for the Future: That Indra South Africa becomes the preferred provider to the South African government
Favourite Reading: News24
Favourite TV Programme: Discovery Channel
Favourite Food/Drink: Indian cuisine
Favourite Music: South African
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Favourite Website: www.itweb.co.za
Hobbies: Classic cars
Car: Chrysler SRT8
Pets: Two dogs and a cat
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Anything broken
Favourite Other South African Company: Naspers
Favourite Foreign Company: Indra Sistemas
Married: To Nundini, since 1990
Children: Twins: son Abhishek and daughter Varsha 24; Audhesh, 23
Clubs: PMI