Full Name: Graham Anthony Whitty

Position: CEO of EMVAfrica

Main Activity of the Company: EMVAfrica is an importer and distributor of industrial stainless-steel pipe, fittings, flanges, round bar and valves

Date and Place of Birth: July 27, 1972, Johannesburg

Education: St Alban's College, Pretoria; BCom (economics), University of Cape Town; BPhil (sustainable development), Stellenbosch University

First Job: Waiter at Coachman’s Inn, Johannesburg

Career History Prior to Current Position: My career started in sales and marketing of tourism software in Cape Town and then in the UK. This further developed into a career in project management and consultancy for large information technology (IT) projects in the UK

Size of First Pay Packet: R1 500 a month

First Job with Present Group: IT projects manager

Value of Assets under Your Control: R50-Million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 65

Management Style: I see my role as being an enabler – I provide the right environment for people to flourish and develop their talents to the maximum

Personal Best Achievement: Attaining a degree is sustainable development – how we rise to the challenge of climate change and sustainability is a big passion of mine

Professional Best Achievement: Being part of a leadership team that has seen our group of companies grow by at least 20% year-on-year for over a decade-and-a-half

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife and children

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Hugh Whitty, the founder of our business and my father. He has trusted my abilities and given me the freedom to develop my own direction and influence in the business

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Desmond Tutu – I admire his moral integrity and fearless ability to speak truth to power

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Aim for a win-win out of every situation

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Living and workin in the UK

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not taking the opportunity to cycle the length of Africa

Hope for the Future: That the world avoids an environmental catastrophe and adopts a sustainable way of living

Favourite Reading: Anything related to sustainability

Favourite TV Programme: Homeland

Favourite Food/Drink: Curry/a really good rose wine

Favourite Music: Just about everything – it depends on the day

Favourite Sport: Mountain biking

Favourite Website: Faithful to Nature

Hobbies: Mountain biking, swimming, running, triathlons and fly-fishing

Car: Mitsubishi Pajero

Pets: One Jack Russell and three cats

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Wasting time

Favourite Other South African Company: Weylands

Favourite Foreign Company: None

Married: To Keiryn, since March 2004

Children: Liam, 12; Kyra, 10; Elena, 7

Clubs: None