Early Life
Nicholas "Nicky" Frank Oppenheimer was born on June 8, 1945, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the son of Harry Oppenheimer and Bridget McCall, and the grandson of Ernest Oppenheimer, who founded Anglo American and later became chairman of De Beers. Nicky's early life was marked by privilege, attending Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Rise to Success
Oppenheimer joined Anglo American in 1968, becoming a director in 1974 and deputy chairman in 1983. He held leadership positions within De Beers, serving as chairman from 1998 to 2012. The family's stake in De Beers was sold to Anglo American in 2012 for $5.1 billion, ending the Oppenheimer family's long-standing involvement in the diamond trade. This was a pivotal moment, marking the third generation of Oppenheimers to lead De Beers.
Key Business Strategies
Oppenheimer's career was centered around the diamond industry. He played a crucial role in managing De Beers' operations and navigating market challenges. The company controlled a significant portion of the world's rough diamond distribution for much of the 20th century. Oppenheimer also oversaw strategic initiatives and partnerships within De Beers.
Philanthropy
After selling the family's stake in De Beers, Nicky Oppenheimer shifted his focus to philanthropy. He established the Brenthurst Foundation in 2005 with his son, Jonathan, to contribute to economic strategies and policies for Africa. He has also been involved in environmental conservation, supporting wildlife preservation and sustainable development through various initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oppenheimer established the South African Future Trust to provide financial relief to small businesses.