Affluent Education Alley
Wednesday’s Wealthy Wisdom
Nicky Oppenheimer, born on June 8, 1945, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a prominent figure in the business world, known for his significant role in the diamond mining industry. He is a descendant of the famous Oppenheimer family, which has been influential in the global diamond market for several generations.
Background: Oppenheimer is the son of Harry Oppenheimer and Bridget McCall. His early education was at Harrow School, followed by Christ Church, Oxford, where he pursued a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Despite not being overly academically inclined during his university years, Oppenheimer managed to obtain an Oxford MA.
Career Highlights:
- Oppenheimer’s professional journey began at Anglo American in 1968, where he served as the personal assistant to the Chairman.
- He held several key positions in the family business, including Deputy Chairman of Anglo American (1983 – 2001) and Chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines (1998 – 2012).
- In 1984, he became the Deputy Chairman of the Central Selling Organisation, which later became the Diamond Trading Company.
- He played a pivotal role in De Beers, leading the company from 1998 until the family’s shares were sold to Anglo American in 2012.
Net Worth: Oppenheimer’s net worth has seen a steady increase over the years, reflecting his success in the business world. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $8.4 billion. This fortune primarily stems from his family’s business in the diamond industry.
Philanthropy: Aside from his business acumen, Oppenheimer is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the Brenthurst Foundation with his son in 2005, focusing on enhancing Africa’s economic performance and sustainable development. He has also contributed significantly to various causes, including the arts, education, health, and nature conservation.
Personal Life: Oppenheimer married Orcillia “Strilli” Lasch in 1968, and the couple has a son, Jonathan Oppenheimer, who has also made his mark in the business world. Nicky Oppenheimer is known for his dedication to preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage and his active involvement in environmental and conservation issues.
Properties and Lifestyle: The billionaire owns significant properties, including the Tswalu Kalahari, the largest private game reserve in South Africa. Despite his immense wealth, Oppenheimer’s lifestyle is not overly extravagant. He is known to own a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and a BMW i3 EV, among other assets.
Nicky Oppenheimer’s journey from a family heir to a business magnate and philanthropist showcases his dedication to both the diamond industry and the broader societal good. His achievements in business and philanthropy have made him a notable figure in South Africa and beyond.
For more detailed information about Nicky Oppenheimer, you can refer to his Wikipedia page and Briefly.co.za.