Allan Gray

$1.80 B

Ranked #1161 in World

About Allan Gray

Allan William Buchanan Gray (1938-2019), a South African-born billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and the ingenious mind behind the Allan Gray investment management firm and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, significantly impacted the financial industry. Born in East London, South Africa, in 1938, Gray's journey started from humble beginnings, leading to the acquisition of an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1965 despite battling dyslexia. His career soared after returning to South Africa in 1973 to establish Allan Gray Limited in Cape Town, eventually expanding his empire to become South Africa's largest private investment management company, with its international counterpart, Orbis Investment Management, managing assets worth over $30 billion by 2015. Remembered for his remarkable philanthropy, Gray donated his company's stake entirely in 2016 to the Allan and Gill Gray Charitable Trust, aimed at exclusively supporting charitable causes. This legacy of generosity included establishing the Allan Gray Foundation in 2007 with a groundbreaking $130 million endowment. Leaving behind a rich legacy, Gray passed away in Bermuda on 10 November 2019.

Born

January 01, 1938 in East London, South Africa

Died

November 10, 2019 (aged 81)

Source Of Wealth

Money Management

Industries

Finance And Investments

Citizenship

South Africa

Residence

Hamilton

Spouse

Gill Gray

Children

Allan William Buchanan Gray was born on 17th March 1938 in East London, South Africa. His family had migrated from Aberdeen, Scotland to Butterworth in the 1890s. His grandmother, Dr. Ethel Gray, made history by becoming the first female mayor in South Africa. Allan Gray attended Selborne College and later Rhodes University. He went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1965. Notably, Allan Gray was dyslexic, a learning disability that affects reading and writing.

Allan Gray: Family

Allan Gray was married to Gill Gray, and they resided in Hamilton, Bermuda. Their son, William Gray, followed in his father's footsteps and served as the president of Orbis in 2007.

Allan Gray: Career Highlights

Allan Gray's career in finance began when he worked for Fidelity Management and Research in Boston for eight years. During the 1962 economic crash, he established a reputation as a successful contrarian investor. In 1973, he returned to South Africa and founded Allan Gray Limited in Cape Town. Initially focused on investment counseling, the company later expanded to serve institutional clients. In 1989, he established Orbis Investment Management in London to focus on international markets. Orbis relocated its headquarters to Bermuda in 1991 and, by 2015, managed over $30 billion in assets. Meanwhile, Allan Gray grew to become South Africa's largest privately held investment management firm, managing over $35 billion in client capital. At the peak of his career, Allan Gray's net worth surpassed $2 billion, making him one of Africa's wealthiest individuals. Notably, his investment returns were comparable to those of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Allan Gray: Companies

Allan Gray founded two prominent companies in the investment management industry: Allan Gray Limited and Orbis Investment Management. Allan Gray Limited, based in Cape Town, South Africa, focused on investment counseling and later expanded to serve institutional clients. Orbis Investment Management, established in London and later headquartered in Bermuda, specialized in international markets and managed over $30 billion in assets.

Allan Gray: Major Achievements

Allan Gray's major achievements include establishing Allan Gray Limited, which became South Africa's largest privately held investment management firm, and Orbis Investment Management, a successful international investment management company.

His investment strategies yielded returns comparable to those of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Allan Gray also made significant contributions to philanthropy through his charitable foundations.

Allan Gray: Awards & Achievements

In recognition of his contributions, Allan Gray received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town in 2012.

Allan Gray: Personal Life & Legacy

Allan Gray passed away on 10th November 2019 in Bermuda due to a heart attack. He left behind a legacy of successful entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a commitment to education. His contributions to the investment management industry and his philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on South Africa and beyond.

Allan Gray: Trivia

Allan Gray was dyslexic, a learning disability that affects reading and writing. Despite this challenge, he achieved remarkable success in the investment management industry.

Wealth History

Timeline

1938

Allan William Buchanan Gray was born in East London, South Africa.

1965

Earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

1973

Returned to South Africa and founded Allan Gray Limited in Cape Town.

1979

Founded Allan and Gill Gray Charitable Trust.

1989

Established Orbis Investment Management in London.

1991

Orbis relocated headquarters to Bermuda.

2007

Established Allan Gray Foundation with a US$130 million endowment.

2012

Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town.

2016

Donated entire stake in his company to the Allan and Gill Gray Charitable Trust.

2019

Allan Gray died of a heart attack in Bermuda on 10 November.

Allan Gray : FAQs

What is Allan Gray's net worth?

As of 2017, Allan Gray's net worth was $1.80 billion.

What are Allan Gray's main sources of wealth?

Allan Gray's main source of income comes from Money Management.

In which industry does Allan Gray primarily operate?

Allan Gray is primarily involved in the Finance And Investments industry.

Is Allan Gray dead?

Yes, Allan Gray died on November 10, 2019 (aged 81).

How many children does Allan Gray have?

Allan Gray has 3 children.

Who was Allan William Buchanan Gray and what was his contribution to the investment industry?

Allan William Buchanan Gray was a South African billionaire businessman and philanthropist, known for founding Allan Gray Limited, South Africa's largest privately held investment management firm. He established a reputation as a successful contrarian investor and expanded his business to include Orbis Investment Management, focusing on international markets.

What is the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and its purpose?

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was founded by Allan Gray with the aim of providing bursaries and scholarships for talented South African high school students. This was part of his philanthropic efforts to support education and empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in South Africa.

What were some of the key milestones and achievements in Allan Gray's career?

Key milestones in Allan Gray's career include working for Fidelity Management and Research in Boston, founding Allan Gray Limited in Cape Town in 1973, expanding his business to include Orbis Investment Management for international markets, and growing his companies to manage billions in client capital. His investment strategies and business acumen led to a net worth above $2 billion, marking him as one of Africa's richest men.

How did Allan Gray's philanthropic efforts impact the community?

Allan Gray's philanthropic efforts significantly impacted the community by establishing the Allan Gray Foundation with a US$130 million endowment for education, which was the largest single recorded donation to a charity in South Africa at the time. Additionally, by donating his entire stake in his company for philanthropic purposes, he ensured a lasting legacy of supporting educational and charitable activities.