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