Full Name: Olivier Nechad
Position: MD of Easigas
Main Activity of the Company: Importation, storage and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Date and Place of Birth: May 17, 1953, France
Education: I studied engineering
First Job: Commercial engineer at Esso France
Career History Prior to Current Position: I was MD of Vitogaz Maroc (LPG distribution) from 2005 to 2013, Africa and Indian Ocean director of Rubis Energy (LPG distribution) from 2005 to 2013, MD of Vitogaz Madagascar (LPG distribution) from 2002 to 2005, MD of Primagaz Trading (LPG trading, in Paris) from 1995 to 2002 and operations director of Primagaz France (LPG distribution, in Paris) from 1991 to 1995
Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember
First Job with Present Group: MD
Value of Assets under Your Control: About R338-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 218
Management Style: A combination of participative and authoritive approaches, with the former building consensus and commitment among employees (particularly direct reports) and the latter providing vision
Personal Best Achievement: My children
Professional Best Achievement: The start-up of Primagaz Trading
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Myself
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs
Philosophy of Life: Go ahead and try to keep the people around you happy
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Each time I changed a company
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I have forgotten
Hope for the Future: Good health
Favourite Reading: Zweig, politics and history
Favourite TV Programme: News
Favourite Food/Drink: Good French food/cocktails and wine
Favourite Music: Tango and blues
Favourite Sport: Car racing and horse riding
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Off-road driving and tango dancing
Car: 4 × 4
Pets: Three cats
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Vulgarity
Favourite other South African Company: Not stated
Favourite Foreign Company: Not stated
Married: Separated
Children: Two
Clubs: None