Nicky Oppenheimer Net Worth
In 2018, Oppenheimer secured the 23rd position on the Sunday Times Rich List in the United Kingdom, boasting a reported fortune of £5.5 billion.
Fast forward to 2024, and his financial landscape has seen remarkable growth, with an estimated net worth reaching an impressive $62 billion.
This places Oppenheimer among the wealthiest and most influential individuals in South Africa, solidifying his standing as a key figure in the global financial arena.
Nicky Oppenheimer Information
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer, born on June 8, 1945, is a distinguished South African billionaire businessman.
Renown for his significant roles, he formerly served as the chairman of the De Beers diamond mining company and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company.
Additionally, Oppenheimer held the position of deputy chairman at Anglo American, showcasing his influential presence in the business realm.
As of current standings, he holds the title of the third richest individual in Africa, further emphasizing his noteworthy impact on the continent’s economic landscape.
Early life
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer, born to Bridget (née McCall) and Harry Oppenheimer, has a distinguished lineage as the grandson of Ernest Oppenheimer, the founder of Anglo American and the first chair of De Beers from 1929.
Coming from a family with German Jewish heritage, Oppenheimer’s educational journey included Ludgrove School, Harrow School, and Christ Church, Oxford.
At Oxford, he pursued Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, culminating in the attainment of an Oxford MA, shaping the foundation for his future endeavors in the realms of business and leadership.
Business career
Nicholas F. Oppenheimer’s impactful career trajectory began in 1968 when he joined Anglo American.
Over the years, he ascended the ranks, earning a directorship in 1974 and subsequently taking on the role of deputy chairman in 1983.
Despite resigning in 2001, Oppenheimer continued to contribute as a non-executive director until 2011.
His influence extended to key positions, with appointments as deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation (now Diamond Trading Company) in 1984, deputy chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1985, and chairman of the Diamond Trading Company in the same year.
From 1998 to 2012, Oppenheimer served as the Chairman of the De Beers Group, retiring when the family’s stake was sold to Anglo American.
His financial prowess was evident when he secured the 23rd position on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2018, boasting a reported fortune of £5.5 billion.
In subsequent years, Oppenheimer continued to make headlines on Forbes’ lists, being ranked as the richest person in South Africa for 2019 with a fortune of US$7.3 billion and maintaining his prominent position in 2020 with a reported fortune of US$7.6 billion in August.
These accolades underscore his enduring impact on both the United Kingdom and the global business landscape.
Philanthropy
The Oppenheimer family, committed to philanthropy, directs its efforts towards preserving the heritage and cultural significance of the Southern African region.
Their philanthropic initiatives extend to community upliftment in crucial areas such as education, health, nature conservation, and the arts.
In 2005, Nicky Oppenheimer and his son Jonathan Oppenheimer established the Brenthurst Foundation, providing a platform for engaging in discussions on strategies and policies aimed at strengthening Africa’s economic performance and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Beyond this, the Oppenheimer family has been actively engaged in environmental and conservation causes. Partnering with De Beers in 2006, they played a pivotal role in establishing the Diamond Route.
This initiative maximizes the potential of their properties for conservation, research, and environmental awareness.
The Diamond Route spans eight sites across northern South Africa, covering regions from Namaqualand on the west coast to Kimberley, north to Tswalu in the Kalahari, and extending to the Brenthurst Gardens in Johannesburg, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, and the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in Limpopo Province.
Since 2015, Oppenheimer has served as a Rhodes Trustee, further contributing to initiatives that impact the broader community and the environment.
Awards
In 2003, Oppenheimer received an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand in recognition of his contributions.
His notable achievements were further acknowledged with the Presidential Order of Honour in 2004, presented by the former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.
The London Business School also bestowed an honorary fellowship upon Oppenheimer in 2009, highlighting his significant impact and influence in both academic and international spheres.
Personal life
In 1968, Nicholas F. Oppenheimer entered into matrimony with Orcillia “Strilli” Lasch, the daughter of industrial tycoon Helli Lasch.
Both Nicholas and Orcillia share the Anglican faith, while it’s noteworthy that Nicholas’s father, originally born Jewish, underwent conversion to Anglicanism during his lifetime..
Nicky Oppenheimer Facts
– Nicky Oppenheimer, born on June 8, 1945, is a distinguished South African billionaire businessman.
– He is the grandson of Ernest Oppenheimer, founder of Anglo American and the first chair of De Beers from 1929.
– Oppenheimer joined Anglo American in 1968, rising to deputy chairman in 1983, and resigned in 2001 but remained a non-executive director until 2011.
– His key roles included deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation (now Diamond Trading Company) and De Beers Consolidated Mines.
– Oppenheimer served as Chairman of the De Beers Group from 1998 to 2012, retiring when the family stake was sold to Anglo American.
– On the Sunday Times Rich List 2018, he was ranked the 23rd richest person in the UK with a fortune of £5.5 billion.
– Forbes listed him as the richest person in South Africa for 2019 and 2020, with fortunes reported as US$7.3 billion and US$7.6 billion, respectively.
– The Oppenheimer family is actively involved in philanthropy, focusing on education, health, nature conservation, and the arts.
– Nicky Oppenheimer and his son Jonathan established the Brenthurst Foundation in 2005 to contribute to Africa’s economic strategies and policies.
– The family played a crucial role in environmental conservation by partnering with De Beers to establish the Diamond Route in 2006.
– In 2003, Oppenheimer received an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand and other honors, including the Presidential Order of Honour (2004) and an honorary fellowship (2009).
– In 1968, he married Orcillia “Strilli” Lasch, daughter of industrial tycoon Helli Lasch, both following the Anglican faith.
– In 2012, Nicky Oppenheimer sold his 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion in cash, marking a transition in the family’s role in the diamond trade.
– Beyond diamonds, Oppenheimer ventured into aviation, founding Fireblade Aviation in 2014, specializing in chartered flights.
– His commitment to conservation is evident through ownership of at least 720 square miles of conservation land across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
