Full Name: Ian David Benning

Position: CEO of Zyl Limited

Main Activity of the Company: Metallurgical coal exploration and development

Date and Place of Birth: November 14, 1963, Pilning, England

Education: BSc degree in mining engineering, University of the Witwatersrand; MBA, Henley Business School

First Job: Learner mining official at Anglo American Corporation, 1981

Size of First Pay Packet: R484 a month

Value of the Assets under Your Control: R1.5-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: 40 and growing (including consultants)

Management Style: Participative, fair but firm

Personal Best Achievement: Graduating from university

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Myself

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Tiger Woods and Leonardo da Vinci

Person Who Has Impressed You Most: Trevor Manuel

Philosophy of Life: Work hard, play hard and have fun doing it

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Still to come

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing a brother at a young age

Hope for the Future: Where there is a will, there is a way

Favourite Reading: Automotive, aviation and current affairs magazines

Favourite TV Programme: Two and a Half Men

Favourite Food/Drink: The simpler, the better/beer and wine

Favourite Music: 1980s and 1990s pop/rock music and current South African rock bands

Favourite Sport: Golf (player) and cricket (former player)

Hobbies: Most sports, aviation and light reading

Car: BMW

Pets: None

Dislikes: Dishonesty and conceit

Married: Single

Children: Matthew, 13; Sarah, 10

Clubs: Zebula, Wanderers and Randpark

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.