BSc Eng (Hons) (Electrical).
C.O.O., INGO Information Solutions.

• Was the electrical consulting engineer for the design and construction of the TV complex of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), 1972 – 1976.
• Founded his own mechanical and electrical consulting engineering practice Claassen Auret Inc. in Johannesburg with branches in Pretoria, Durban and Mmabatho. Responsible for the design and construction of a large variety of commercial and industrial complexes
• In 1968 became Manager: Urban Development for the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).
• In 1987 became Group Managing Director of Technotron, a group of hi-tech companies which included the Laboratory for Advanced Engineering (LGI), a hi-tech development company situated on the campus of the University of Pretoria.
• Joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as Chief Executive: Broadcasting Centre in 1991.
• Became Chief Executive: Operations of the SABC in 1994 and from July 1995 also managed the new SABC satellite TV venture, AstraSat. Established the IBC (International Broadcast Centre) for the 1994 elections and was Chairman of Rugby World Broadcasting. Represented the SABC on various international forums.
• Retired from the SABC in June 1997 and served as a consultant and director of several companies, including Chairman of Xcel Engineering & Management, Chairman of Inala Technology Investments and served on the Boards of Ohlthaver & List and Namibian Breweries in Windhoek.
• Currently COO of Ingo Information Solutions, an ICT company based in Pretoria but with the majority of its contracts in the UK and USA. He has consequently spent much of his time overseas.
• Member of the Credit Committee of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).