Full Name: Duane Roothman

Position and Company Name: VP of the Forestry division at Sappi Southern Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Sappi manufactures wood-fibre-based renewable materials such as pulp, paper, packaging and biomaterials sourced from sustainably managed forests

Date and Place of Birth: January 8, 1972, Polokwane

Schools and Tertiary Education: Matric, Pietersburg Hoërskool; BSc in forestry, specialising in forest engineering and harvesting, Stellenbosch University; MBA (with distinction) in general management, specialising in operational and logistics management, University of the Free State

First Job: Sales assistant at a linen manufacturer

Size of First Pay Packet: I can’t remember

Career Path to Date: I have spent the past 31 years at Sappi, during which time I have had 13 role changes and 11 relocations. The journey reflects steady progression through operational and leadership positions within the company, alongside meaningful leadership contributions to the broader South African forestry sector. My career has been shaped by a strong focus on strategic restructuring, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, people development and environmental stewardship – all centred on unlocking the value of trees

Value of Assets under Your Control: A total of 405 000 ha of sustainably managed forests with a sustainable yearly harvest of 4.3-million tons and a standing asset value of about R9.7-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: An executive team made up of seven individuals, with 870 direct employees and about 9 500 contractor staff across outsourced operations

Management Style: A coaching and mentoring approach that encourages problem-solving, effective execution and accountability

Personal Best Achievement: Seeing people grow and develop their talent

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: It would not do justice to single out just one person

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I have learned something from most of the people I’ve worked with

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Warren Buffett

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: There are several individuals whose unique ability to unlock value I greatly admire

Philosophy of Life: Every crisis brings opportunity – the right mindset helps unlock it

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being interviewed for a bursary at Sappi

Biggest Ever Disappointment: None

Hope for the Future: A thriving economy and a thriving South Africa

Favourite Reading: A wide range of topics, but a standout in business leadership is Good to Great, by Jim Collins

Favourite TV Programme: None

Favourite Food/Drink: Coffee

Favourite Music: Music by Bon Jovi, Roger Waters, and Waldo de los Ríos

Favourite Sport: Formula 1 and T20 cricket

Hobbies: DIY projects and reading

Car: Audi Q3

Pets: None at the moment, but we miss our dogs every day

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Poor service and poor service delivery

Married: To Hannelie