Early Life
Nicky Oppenheimer was born into a family with a long history in the diamond industry. His grandfather, Ernest Oppenheimer, founded Anglo American Corporation and later took control of De Beers, establishing the family's dominance in the diamond market. Nicky was educated at Harrow School, Christ Church, Oxford (where he earned an MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics).
Rise to Success
Oppenheimer joined Anglo American in 1968, rising through the ranks to become a director in 1974 and deputy chairman in 1983. In 1998, he became chairman of the De Beers Group, a position he held until 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the company's transformation and adapted to changing global market dynamics. In 2012, the family sold its 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Nicky Oppenheimer played a pivotal role in modernizing De Beers' operations and adapting to the changing global market. He was instrumental in launching the "Supplier of Choice" initiative, which redefined the company's relationship with its clients and streamlined its distribution channels. After the sale of the family stake in De Beers, the Oppenheimer family diversified their investments through their family office, Oppenheimer Generations, focusing on private equity, venture capital, and property.
Philanthropy
Nicky Oppenheimer is a dedicated philanthropist. He and his family founded the Brenthurst Foundation in 2004, which focuses on promoting economic growth and development in Africa. He has also supported educational initiatives, healthcare, and conservation efforts. His significant contributions include the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, which has given millions to educational causes. Furthermore, his passion for conservation is evident in his ownership of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves.