Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman died on Thursday, 7 September 2023. He was 92.
Raymond Ackerman dies: What’s the cause of death?
The retail magnate’s death was confirmed in a statement released by the Pick n Pay Group.
“With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away,” the group said.
Details about Ackerman’s cause of death were not communicated in the brief statement. This is a developing story.
Raymond Ackerman obituary
Born on 10 March 1931, Ackerman’s journey began after he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Cape Town.
He started as a trainee manager in the Ackermans division of the Greatermans group in 1951. This division, founded by his father Gus Ackerman, had been sold to Greatermans in 1940.
In the early 1950s, as food retailing supermarkets emerged in South Africa, Ackerman’s leadership skills shone through. He was entrusted with overseeing Checkers, a food retailer initiated by Norman Herber, chairman of Greatermans. Under his guidance, Checkers thrived.
In 1966, Ackerman, at just 35 years old, was heading 85 Checkers stores. However, he was controversially dismissed from his position the same year.
Undeterred, he used his severance pay and a bank loan to purchase four stores in Cape Town, under the banner of Pick ‘n Pay.
Raymond Ackerman’s vision and leadership turned Pick ‘n Pay into one of Africa’s largest supermarket chains, with a turnover exceeding R37 billion (as of 2006).
The group, which includes over 124 supermarkets, 14 hypermarkets, and 179 franchised outlets, employs more than 30 000 people across multiple African countries.
Ackerman was not only a retail titan but also a staunch advocate for consumer rights.
He campaigned tirelessly for affordable prices, lobbying for reduced cigarette and bread prices, and challenging authorities on gas price regulations.
His dedication to community engagement and charity work was exemplified by the Ackerman family’s longstanding support for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ackerman received numerous awards and honours. These include honorary doctorates in law and commerce from Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town, respectively.
He was recognised as one of the world’s greatest business leaders by the Financial Times and was consistently ranked among South Africa’s business elite.
Raymond Ackerman’s legacy extends beyond business.
He authored three books, sharing his experiences and offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. His dedication to ethical business practices and his commitment to the betterment of South African society have left an indelible mark.
Raymond Ackerman is survived by his wife Wendy and their four children, Suzanne, Kathryn, Jonathan, and Gareth, who continue to be actively involved in Pick ‘n Pay and its charitable endeavours.
Reactions to Ackermans’s death
It cannot be disputed that Ackermans’s impact on the retail industry and his commitment to social causes will endure for generations to come.
Here’s how social media reacted to news of the retail magnate’s death:
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