Corporate Q&A with General Cable’s General Manager

The entry of US-based General Cable — a distributor and manufacturer of aluminium, copper and optical fibre cables — into the Kenyan market is expected to intensify competition in the regional cabling industry. We caught up with the man steering the ship, Mr David Green, the sub-Saharan Africa sales and marketing general manager, to find out his plans for the millions of dollars he says he has to spend in the country.

What is your background?

I was born in the city of Leicester, Britain. I attended Leicester University in the late 70s and studied textile technology, which dealt with the construction of fabrics.

My love for learning more about the international market saw me working in South Africa.

I joined General Cable around 2010/2011 after leaving the post of sales manager at CBi Electric Aberdare ATC Teleco Cables. I am currently GC’s general manager, sales and marketing, for sub-Saharan Africa.

What was your first job?

At 23, I was hired as an assistant production manager for a company called Vali Textiles.

And your first salary?

I was earning around 800 to 1,000 rand (about Sh6,500 to Sh8,200 at current exchange rates).

As a young man, what career choices did you make that set you up for success?

I equipped myself with knowledge in a field that I was interested in. My technical knowhow of manufacturing concepts has been a very important factor in my career path.

I was also able to recognise opportunities and take advantage of them, and I have a deep understanding of different cultures in the region.

How did you end up in sales after studying textile technology?

A close friend saw me working once and told me that I had the characteristics of a good sales person. I love dealing with people and I am good at it, so I ventured into sales in the field of manufacturing.

Last week, your company made its entry into the Kenyan market, stirring up the cabling sector. What are your plans?

We intend to tap into the robust construction and infrastructure industries, with a keen eye on the energy, oil and gas sectors. The upgrade and extension of infrastructure in the region, coupled with the recent oil and gas finds, have presented a significant case for us to start operations in East Africa.

Our global expertise and over 165 years of operations have enabled us roll out products commensurate with market needs. General Cable’s products and services are meeting the ever-changing needs of our diverse range of customers everywhere, every day.

What keeps you going at work?

Dealing with different cultures, markets and individuals, and satisfying their needs. I also have a great boss who makes the working environment comfortable.

What keeps you up at night?

Worrying that some manufacturing plants at General Cable require some products to be made. Also, I tend to worry about the safety of employees if sales go down.

What do you do when you are not working?

I play tennis. I have also taken up going to the gym to keep fit.

If you were not in your current job, what would you be doing?

I would seriously take up a sport like golf, snow skiing, tennis or rugby.

Family?

I am married. My wife works in South Africa as an IT lecturer and administrator. We have two children; my 22-year-old daughter is a student at a university in South Africa, while my 20-year-old son is pursuing some endeavours in the US.

What would you want people to remember about you?

I want to be remembered as a good husband to my wife and a fantastic father to my children.

bizbeat@standardmedia.co.ke