Full Name: Sean Edgar Lesley Blake

Position: Executive director of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW)

Main Activity of the Company: The SAIW is an industry association involved in the implementation of standards in the industry, offering training and consulting services

Date and Place of Birth: December 17, 1970, Johannesburg

Education: BSc (engineering – physical metallurgy), University of the Witwatersrand

First Job: Metallurgist

Career History Prior to Current Position: I worked for Highveld Steel as a metallurgist for three years, and spent 14 years at Afrox in a variety of roles, including technical support to the heat treatment industry and product management for carbon dioxide and hydrogen, before entering the welding industry as technical manager; I have been at SAIW for nine years

Size of First Pay Packet: R4 375 a month

First Job with Present Group: Project manager

Value of Assets under Your Control: R100-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 55

Management Style: Participative

Personal Best Achievement: My family

Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as SAIW executive director

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Jim Guild, previous SAIW executive director

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The Dalai Lama

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk

Philosophy of Life: Life is to be enjoyed

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Appointment as SAIW executive director

Biggest Ever Disappointment: None

Hope for the Future: A prosperous future and productive employment for all

Favourite Reading: Ken Follet novels and historical thrillers

Favourite TV Programme: Big Bang Theory

Favourite Food/Drink: Seafood/wine

Favourite Music: Easy-listening ballads

Favourite Sport: Golf

Favourite Website: www.news24.com

Hobbies: Cycling, photography and golf

Car: Volkswagen Tiguan

Pets: Angel, a golden retriever

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and greed

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol

Favourite Foreign Company: Apple

Married: To Jacqui, since April 13, 1996

Children: Aiden, 16; Conor, 13

Clubs: Benoni Lake Golf Club