Early Life and Education
Koos Bekker was born in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on December 14, 1952. He received his early education at Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg. Bekker holds degrees from Stellenbosch University (law and literature) and the University of the Witwatersrand (law). He also earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1984.
Rise to Success
Bekker began his career in advertising before earning his MBA. In the mid-1980s, he co-founded M-Net, one of the first pay-television services outside the United States. He also served as a founding director of mobile communication company MTN in the 1990s. In 1997, Bekker became CEO of Naspers, and under his leadership, the company transformed into a global technology investor.
Key Business Strategies
Bekker is known for his strategic investments in the media and technology sectors. His early investment in Tencent in 2001 was a pivotal move, as the company's value skyrocketed. Bekker's management style was also unique, with a hands-off approach that allowed him to attract and retain talented executives. He also adopted a compensation structure that relied on stock options instead of a salary, tying his wealth directly to Naspers' performance.
Philanthropy
Bekker is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various educational and social initiatives. He is also an art collector and established the Koos Bekker Art Collection, which showcases South African contemporary art.