This month SmartProcurement profiles Brian Fredericks of Transnet Freight Rail.
Full name: Brian Fredericks
Position: Chief Procurement Officer
Your organisations’ procurement spend: ±R7,5 billion p.a.
Who does P & SM report to: Chief Financial Officer
Private sector OR Public sector: Public Sector
Core business activity of the enterprise: Rail Freight Logistics
Number of people in your P & SM organisation: 603
Management motto: ‘Always challenge the status quo and achieve more with less.’
Membership of professional bodies: Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS); Institute of Purchasing and Supply South Africa (IPSA); Supply Chain Council; Institute of Directors (IOD).
What is your vision for P & SM: Strategic positioning at board-level.
Personal best achievement: Exceeding savings targets two years in a row.
Most important commodities: Energy (fuel & electricity); Rail spares, maintenance equipment & services
The person that has had the biggest influence on your life: Archbishop of Oudtshoorn – Bishop Adams
The companies that have had the biggest influence on your career: Leyland SA; 3M & Engen Petroleum
Person you would most like to meet: Barack Obama & Nelson Mandela
Businessperson who has impressed you most: Brian Joffe – Bidvest Group
Your favourite South African organisation: Bidvest
Your favourite global organisation: Apple
Your philosophy about life: ‘Strive for personal happiness and never harbour negativity.’
Favourite reading: The Art of Possibilities by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander
Favourite music: Fusion Jazz & 1980’s Old-School Jazz
Favourite sport: Golf & Formula One
Favourite website: You Tube
Hobbies: Harley Davidson rides & Golf
Married: Lisa-Ann Hosking, married for 3 years.
Children: Bronwyn (28); Meagon (24); Candice (24); Jade (23) & Lee-Roy (17)
