Andrew Gladwin's Biography

My parents were deeply devoted to each other and were two of the most unselfish, loving people who ever lived. They set high standards for me, which has been a guidance in my life. My father fought a long battle with melanoma cancer in the 1970s, finally succumbing in December 1979.

I did all my education in Cape Town; Grove Primary School, Westerford High School and the University of Cape Town. At university, I studied a Bachelor of Business Science degree, which I completed in 1989. At university, I was extensively involved in AIESEC, an international business student organisation which taught me a lot about working with people and understanding different cultures. I worked for them in Johannesburg for a year in 1990.

In 1991 I started work for my current employer, Old Mutual, and studied part-time to gain a professional qualification as an actuary, which I achieved at the end of 1995.

In early 1996 I bought a home computer and got hooked up on the internet, which was an opportunity to meet with people with similar interests, and especially to share my passion for 60s music. I got involved with the Web Page For Brian Wilson in that year, and now maintain that site.

In June 1997, I moved on to Harare, Zimbabwe to begin a contract for Old Mutual where I have been working in a number of actuarial fields, relating both to the financial management of the company and the valuation of pension funds.

In early 2000, things started taking a turn for the worse in Zimbabwe due to the greed and corruption of the ruling party there. Although I extended my contract there for another year, the quality of life was clearly deteriorating with shortages of fuel and basic groceries. I moved back to Cape Town in September 2001, and I continued with Old Mutual there in their Group Assurance area, with some great work colleagues. My mom, who now has advanced Parkinson's disease, moved down to Cape Town in 2003, and she lives close to me, and I look after her financial affairs and try to see her regularly. In June 2007, I started in a new area doing product development relating to the new retirement environment in South Africa.

Since November 2004, I have been on the Council of the Actuarial Society of South Africa as Honorary Secretary. I have been very involved in the education side of the society, including building a full South African qualification for actuaries.

At a personal level, I was married to Terri from 1997 to 2007 -we had some good times but drifted apart in the later years, which was a difficult time for both of us. I still feel I have a lot to give in a relationship, and hope to find the right person to share my life with.

My aspirations are to develop in my profession as well as my ability to work with people, to be a trustworthy and reliable friend, to enjoy my hobbies and to remain close to my family.

I regard honesty and respect and love for all people as my important values. I also think that a sense of humour is very important (but thought I better give my biographical details in a straightforward manner!)