Full Name: Gianni Anić

Position: MD and CEO of Wetback Contracts

Main Activity of the Company: Project management and project execution in the structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, platework and piping industries. This includes procurement, supply, fabrication, corrosion protection, installation, thermal insulation, commissioning assistance and handover

Date and Place of Birth: January 3, 1971, in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Schools and Tertiary Education: I qualified as a shipbuilding fitter/blacksmith in 1988

First Job: Beach attendant at a hotel resort in Croatia

Career History Prior to Current Position: I began my career as a shipbuilding fitter/blacksmith at Shipyard Greben in Vela Luka, Croatia, a position I held from September 1988 to June 1991, before moving to South Africa. Since arriving in this country, I have worked for only one company, Wetback Contracts. My roles have included pipe fitter, from July 1991 to October 1993; site manager, from November 1993 to March 1994; workshop manager, from March 1994 to February 1997; works director, from February 1997 to March 2001; and operations director, from March 2001 to January 2009. I have served as MD and CEO of the company since February 2009

Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember the exact amount, but what I do recall is that it was in the billions – a result of hyperinflation in Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, where the currency was devaluing by the day

First Job with Present Group: Pipe fitter, in July 1991

Number of People under Your Leadership: It varies, depending on the size of the project awarded

Management Style: Democratic and transformational

Personal Best Achievement: My family

Professional Best Achievement: Designing the architecture of Wetback Contracts’ integrated management system and leading the Wetback Contracts team to successful completion of the Medupi and Kusile power station projects

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late parents

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: The late Ivan Miljak, our previous MD

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The late Pope Francis, Sir David Attenborough and the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sir Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Embrace the challenge

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Working at Wetback Contracts

Biggest Ever Disappointment: International corporates that prioritise profits at the expense of local enterprises, resulting in negative transformation of the industry

Hope for the Future: Hope should not be a mere wish. When it is paired with action, commitment and belief, it becomes a powerful force through which, together, we can create a better society

Favourite Reading: The Art of Loving, by Erich Fromm

Favourite TV Programme: BBC wildlife documentaries The Blue Planet and Planet Earth. I’m generally not big on TV, but I occasionally watch soccer games and movies

Favourite Food/Drink: Grilled fresh fish/red wine

Favourite Music: Rock ‘n’ roll as well as soft, smooth jazz

Favourite Sport: Soccer (watching) and a Croatian form of bowling called Obuće (playing)

Favourite Website: Engineering News | Real-Economy News

Hobbies: Gardening, attending social events and participating in church community activities

Car: BMW

Pets: Cats

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Arrogant, inconsiderate, disrespectful and hypocritical behaviour

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol

Favourite Foreign Company: Ferrari S.p.A., for its iconic cars, and Ferretti S.p.A., known for its luxurious Riva Boats

Married: To Petra Rubeša, since December 18, 1999

Children: Karla, 26; Gino, 19

Clubs: HNK Hajduk, a Croatian football club based in the city of Split