Early Life
Nicholas "Nicky" Frank Oppenheimer was born on June 8, 1945, in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a family with a rich history in the diamond and mining industries. He is the grandson of Ernest Oppenheimer, who founded Anglo American Corporation in 1917 and later took control of De Beers, establishing the family's dominance in the global diamond trade. Nicky received his education at Harrow School in London and Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, earning an MA.
Rise to Success
Oppenheimer's career began in 1968 when he joined Anglo American Corporation. He progressed rapidly, becoming a director in 1974 and deputy chairman in 1983. His most prominent role was as chairman of De Beers, a position he took over in 1998. Under his leadership, De Beers underwent significant transformations, modernizing its operations and adapting to the changing global market. In 2012, Nicky orchestrated the sale of the Oppenheimer family’s 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion, marking the end of the family’s direct involvement in the diamond industry after nearly a century.
Key Business Strategies
Oppenheimer’s business strategies focused on adapting to market changes and diversifying investments. He was instrumental in the sale of the family's stake in De Beers and subsequently channeled investments through private equity firms like Stockdale Street and Tana Africa Capital. These firms focus on diverse sectors, including FMCG, retail, education, healthcare, and agribusiness.
Philanthropy
The Oppenheimer family is well-known for its philanthropic initiatives, particularly in education, arts, and conservation. They established the Brenthurst Foundation to promote economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. Additionally, they have supported numerous causes through the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, focusing on education and community development. In 2020, Nicky and his son Jonathan established the South African Future Trust to provide financial relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
