Financial Mail

Costa Economou

- CEO, Colourfiel­d

If someone came to you tomorrow with R100m to invest in just one company, which would it be?

Without knowing what proportion of the individual’s wealth the R100m constitute­s, or what his or her financial objectives are, it is impossible to make any investment recommenda­tions. I would invite the individual in for a cup of coffee and take it from there.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to sing. While I have been known for my moonwalk and other breakdance-like moves, I have a terrible voice.

What was your first job?

I worked for my parents in their “fish-and-chips” shop. And, yes, it was on a corner! I did this from the age of seven.

What’s your biggest regret?

Not winning last month’s Colourfiel­d table tennis final by a bigger margin.

Your worst investment mistake?

Investing in a friend’s supermarke­t.

What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?

Investing in my education.

Apple or Samsung (or Nokia)?

Apple. I like its user-friendly simplicity (I’m technologi­cally challenged) I would give my family the holiday of a lifetime. I would also sponsor 11 Angels — a charitable organisati­on support that assists with palliative care — and then put away the balance to help fund more internatio­nal learning experience­s for myself and my family.

What’s your favourite song?

I I love music. My current favourite is Pharrell Williams’s “Doowit”, from the movie Despicable Me 3. And anything produced by Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, George Michael and Tears for Fears is always a favourite.

What is your greatest extravagan­ce?

My hair products. Taming this mop has its challenges.

Name a place you’ve been to that lived up to the hype.

Anything in Greece.

On what occasions do you lie?

Never.

If you could fix one thing in SA today, what would it be?

Education.

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