Mark Gounder

Mark Gounder, chief executive officer of Hulamin, a prominent JSE listed company based in Pietermaritzburg, credits much of his success to his upbringing. He proudly describes himself as “a testament to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.” Reflecting on his early years, Mark says, “I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where people genuinely supported my growth. This culture of care helped shape my career and allows me to give back in meaningful ways.”

Mark’s journey has been guided by two core principles: “First, no matter your circumstances, respect is paramount. Second, avoid a victim mindset – always believe that you have the power to improve.” For him, personal growth is not measured by wealth but by purpose. “I believe we all have a unique purpose on this earth. For me, it’s clear: I was born to create value for others,” he shares. This belief fuels his desire to positively impact the lives of those around him, both at work and in his community.

Due to financial challenges, Mark couldn’t pursue full-time studies. “I didn’t have the means to study full-time,” he recalls. “I started my career as an apprentice at Pep Stores, where I learned the basics of entrepreneurship and leadership at just 19, while others my age were still in university.”

Mark’s first opportunity in the finance field was as a cost clerk at Illovo Sugar in 1995, the same company where his father worked for 36 years. “I was thrilled. I had an office, a phone, a computer, and they even covered my further education,” he explains. Within five years, he earned his BCom degree in Financial Management, Accounting, and Tax and advanced into a management accountant role, progressing through three positions during that time.

LEADING HULAMIN WITH A VISION
Mark commented that he sees his role as an opportunity to create value for Hulamin’s over 2500 people and the surrounding community. “If we think about it, with four people per household, we’re positively impacting around 10,000 people, not to mention our local suppliers and the broader Pietermaritzburg community,” he notes. “How many people can say they get to go to work, make a real difference in people’s lives, and get paid for it?”

Mark believes that success comes from cultivating a culture of empowerment and accountability. “Leadership is about making bold decisions and being prepared to deal with the consequences, but always having a plan,” he asserts. “With the right plan, anything is possible.”

Honesty and authenticity are also at the heart of Mark’s leadership style. “People think leadership starts when you walk into the office, but you’re a leader all the time – it’s about being yourself,” he says. Mark values open communication, taking time to listen and share his own experiences. He emphasises the importance of collaboration: "Leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about taking people along with you on the journey.”

For Mark, empowering his team means fostering a culture of accountability. “If you want to be empowered, you need to accept the responsibility that comes with it. You must take ownership of both the successes and the challenges, and always have a plan to keep improving.”

LESSONS IN RESPECT AND PERSEVERANCE
Mark’s father imparted valuable wisdom that still guides him today: “He taught me that no matter what you achieve in life, you must always respect others,” says Mark. Another key lesson was the power of believing in your dreams: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

When asked about his greatest achievement, Mark doesn’t hesitate: “Meeting my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. She has been my rock, standing by me through every challenge.” Together, they have two sons, forming a close-knit family that reflects Mark’s values of respect and support. “Family is everything,” he says. “It’s not about money; it’s about having strong family values.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH DETERMINATION
Mark acknowledges that one of the biggest hurdles people face, is the temptation to adopt a victim mentality. “It’s easy to find excuses for why you can’t achieve something,” he explains. “It took me 15 years of part time studying to become a chartered accountant, and there were plenty of reasons to give up along the way. Anything is possible - you just have to stay committed to your dream.”

Mark has been fortunate to have many mentors throughout his life, from his parents to his first manager. “It wouldn’t be fair to name just one – they’ve all had a profound impact on me,” he reflects. He draws inspiration from Formula 1, particularly the precision and teamwork in pit stops. “No problem is too big if you have the right team around you,” he believes.

A VISION FOR KWAZULU-NATAL
Looking ahead, Mark is passionate about fostering collaboration to improve KwaZulu-Natal. “Business leaders need to come together and take collective responsibility for making KZN better,” he says. As Hulamin is the largest employer in Pietermaritzburg, he sees the company playing a key role in creating a culture of growth and value creation.

DREAM BIG, STAY TRUE
Mark’s personal motto is grounded in trust, respect, and the power of believing in yourself. “You can’t lead or be successful without trust, and trust goes hand in hand with respect,” he says. He also believes that no dream is too big if you have the right mindset: “Chase your dream, surround yourself with the right people, and most importantly, believe in yourself.”

In closing, Mark shares a reminder about life’s brevity: “There are two certainties in life – you will die, and you will pay taxes. So why not live life to the fullest?”