Full Name: Mark Anthony Dytor

Position: CEO of AECI

Main Activity of the Company: Explosives and speciality chemicals

Date and Place of Birth: July 18, 1961, Wolverhampton, UK

Education: Higher national diploma (metalliferous mining); PMD, University of Cape Town

First Job: Learner official at Rand Mining

Career History: I assumed the position of AECI CEO in 2013, having been appointed to the board earlier that year. I joined AECI as a sales representative in 1984 and, after managing two companies, was appointed to Chemserve’s executive committee in 1988 and subsequently to its board. I am also chairperson of AECI Mining Explosives

Size of First Pay Packet: R300 a month

First Job with Present Group: Sales representative

Value of Assets under Your Control: R22-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: 8 000

Management Style: Good leadership, passion and teamwork

Personal Best Achievement: I played provincial soccer

Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as AECI CEO

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My family and friends

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Schalk Engelbrecht, who appointed me MD of Chemserve Water Sciences

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Paul McCartney

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Work hard and make it happen

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being able to build a lifelong career in one company

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Disappointment is temporary; opportunity is everything

Hope for the Future: That AECI harnesses its unique capability to tackle some of the world’s most serious problems, such as food security and water scarcity, while empowering women and making a real difference to people in need

Favourite Reading: Business, current affairs, leadership and strategy

Favourite TV Programme: Netflix and SuperSport

Favourite Food/Drink: Fish, steak and soft drinks

Favourite Music: Contemporary and pop

Favourite Sport: Cricket, golf, motor racing, rugby and soccer

Favourite Website: Not stated

Hobbies: Golf and motor racing

Car: Aston Martin

Pets: Dogs

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Lazy, negative people who are not engaged in their work

Favourite Other South African Company: Discovery

Favourite Foreign Company: Apple

Clubs: Dainfern Country Club and The River Club golf course