Raymond Ackerman's biography: what is known about the South African businessman
The late Raymond Ackerman was a wealthy businessman. His business philosophy was doing good is good business. He listed the Pick n Pay Group in 1968. He valued all consumers and had built a strong reputation for excellent customer service. He was listed among the richest South Africans.
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Raymond Ackerman revolutionised the retail industry in South Africa. He was among the first retailers who championed against the state‘s monopoly on basic needs. His business met customers' needs and led to a drastic reduction in the cost of essential products.
Profile summary
| Full name | Raymond David Ackerman |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 10 March 1931 |
| Date of death | 6 September 2023 |
| Age at death | 92 years |
| Place of birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | White (Lithuanian) |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair colour | Silver |
| Eye colour | Grey |
| Marital status | Married until death |
| Widow | Wendy Ackerman |
| Children | 4 |
| Father | Gus Ackerman |
| Mother | Elsie |
| Siblings | 1 |
| Education | Diocesan College and the University of Cape Town |
| Profession | Businessman |
Who is Raymond Ackerman?
Raymond David Ackerman is a former businessman. He is the founder of Pick N Pay Group, a supermarket chain with over 2,204 stores in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia.
Is Raymond Ackerman still alive?
No, Raymond Ackerman passed away on 6 September 2023 at 92. He died of old age. The late businessman was born on 10 March 1931, and his Zodiac sign was Pisces.
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Where was Raymond Ackerman from?
The late businessman was from South Africa, and his nationality was White. His grandfather, Meyer, moved to South Africa from Lithuania at the end of the 19th century.
He was born and raised in Cape Town. He resided in his home country until his demise.
Raymond Ackerman's family background
The Pick N Pay Group founder's parents were Gus and Elsie Ackerman. The late businessman has a sister named Mary.
Gus owned a clothing retail outfit called Ackerman’s Store. The store was acquired by the Greatermans Group.
Gus and Elsie raised their children in the Jewish faith. Raymond was a member of Temple Israel, a progressive synagogue in Cape Town.
Educational background
The late businessman is an alumnus of the Diocesan College and the University of Cape Town. He acquired a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Cape Town.
Career
At 20, the late businessman joined Ackerman’s Store, his dad's business, as a trainee manager. He used the chance to learn about running a business.
He later secured a job in the retail industry, where he researched and analysed new methods of food retailing imported foods. He approached his boss, who took up the idea, leading to the development of 85 Checkers, a food retailer.
He was fired at 35 when his wife was pregnant. He used his savings, a bank loan, and money from friends to purchase four small stores in Cape Town. That marked the birth of Pick N Pay Group.
The primary goal of Pick N Pay Group was to provide quality goods at great value. Over time, Pick N Pay Group grew from four small stores to 1,800 stores, including franchise stores.
Today, Pick N Pay Group is among South Africa’s biggest retailers. Apart from physical stores, the company offers online retail services.
Pick N Pay clothing
Pick N Pay clothing offers a variety of clothing for women, men, and children. Clothing is offered at the Pick N Pay supermarkets and in stand-alone stores.
Ackerman Pick N Pay Foundation
The late businessman was recognised as a philanthropist. The Ackerman Pick N Pay Foundation was formed through a donation of R30 million from the Pick N Pay Group to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company. The foundation supports a range of community-based projects.
Raymond Ackerman academy for entrepreneurial development
In conjunction with the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, the Ackerman Pick N Pay Foundation started the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Entrepreneurial Development.
The academy was subsequently expanded to include the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus.
Raymond Ackerman's books
The late businessman authored a couple of books about business.
- The Four Legs of the Table: His first book explains his philosophy of business and is biographical.
- Hearing Grasshoppers Jump: This book recounts his journey building Pick N Pay. It also offers insights into leadership.
- A Sprat to Catch a Mackerel
Retirement from Pick N Pay
In 2009, the Pick N Pay founder announced his retirement. His son, Gareth, succeeded him as chairman while he remained an ambassador for the company until his demise.
Raymond Ackerman's net worth
The late businessman's net worth is about $500 million. His family is in charge of his massive estate.
Was Raymond Ackerman married?
Yes, the late businessman was married to Wendy Ackerman. The couple was blessed with four children.
Raymond Ackerman's children are Suzanne, Kathryn, Jonathan, and Gareth. His widow and children are actively involved in running the company.
Raymond Ackerman's house
The Pick N Pay founder lived in Cape Town, South Africa, until his demise. Although he was wealthy, he lived a simple life and did not allow publicity on his home.
Demise
On 6 September 2023, the Managing Director of the Katale Partnership, Nicky Bicket, announced Raymond Ackerman's death.
His death occurred in Cape Town, as confirmed by Tamra Veley, a family spokesperson, during a phone interview with Bloomberg.
Trivia
- He received an honorary doctorate in law from Rhodes University in 1986 and another honorary doctorate in commerce in 2001 from the University of Cape Town.
- In November 2004, the Financial Times named him the only South African among the world's 100 greatest business leaders.
- In 1987, he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary International.
- He was not active on social media.
Raymond Ackerman is remembered as the founder of Pick N Pay Group, one of the biggest online retailers. He is survived by his wife and children, who now run the company.
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Source: Briefly News
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