Nicholas F. Oppenheimer is a renowned South African billionaire businessman, known for his significant contributions to the diamond mining industry and his association with Anglo American. With a family background deeply rooted in business, Oppenheimer has played prominent roles in leading companies and has amassed immense wealth throughout his career.
Early Life And Education
Born on June 8, 1945, Nicholas F. Oppenheimer is the son of Bridget and Harry Oppenheimer. He comes from a family with a strong business legacy, as his grandfather, Ernest Oppenheimer, was the founder of Anglo American and the first chairman of De Beers. Oppenheimer received his education at prestigious institutions, including Ludgrove School, Harrow School, and Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, earning an Oxford MA.
Business Career
Oppenheimer began his career at Anglo American in 1968 and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a director in 1974 and was appointed deputy chairman in 1983. His association with De Beers started in 1984 when he became deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation, which later became the Diamond Trading Company. In 1985, Oppenheimer assumed the role of chairman of the Diamond Trading Company and deputy chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines.
As chairman of the De Beers Group from 1998 to 2012, Oppenheimer played a pivotal role in overseeing the operations and growth of the company. Under his leadership, De Beers made significant contributions to the diamond industry and solidified its position as a global leader. Oppenheimer retired from his position when the Oppenheimer family sold their stake in De Beers to Anglo American.
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer’s Net Worth And Recognition
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer’s wealth has consistently placed him among the richest individuals in the world. In 2018, he appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List as the 23rd richest person in the United Kingdom, with a reported fortune of £5.5 billion. Forbes listed him as the richest person in South Africa on their World’s Billionaires list for 2019 and 2023, with reported fortunes of US$8.3 billion.
Philanthropy And Conservation
The Oppenheimer family has a strong commitment to philanthropy and conservation efforts, particularly in Southern Africa. In 2005, Nicky Oppenheimer and his son Jonathan Oppenheimer established the Brenthurst Foundation. The foundation aims to contribute to the economic development and sustainable growth of Africa through research and policy discussions.
The Oppenheimer family has also been actively involved in environmental and conservation initiatives. They partnered with De Beers to establish the Diamond Route in 2006, which aims to conserve and raise awareness about the natural beauty and biodiversity of various sites across South Africa.
Awards And Honors
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer has received several awards and honors for his contributions to business and society. In 2003, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Technikon Witwatersrand. He also received the Presidential Order of Honor from the former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, in 2004. In 2009, Oppenheimer was granted an honorary fellowship by the London Business School.
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer Personal Life
In 1968, Nicholas F. Oppenheimer married Orcillia “Strilli” Lasch, the daughter of industrial tycoon Helli Lasch. Both Oppenheimer and his wife are Anglican, although his father was born Jewish and later converted to Anglicanism.
