Nathan Kirsh

$7.76 B

Ranked #469 in World

About Nathan Kirsh

South African billionaire Natie Kirsh, head of the Kirsh Group and noted philanthropist, possesses vast investments internationally, including a majority stake in Jetro Holdings in New York. As of April 2022, Forbes valued his fortune at $5.3 billion. With an impactful career, Kirsh launched his business empire in Eswatini, then expanded globally, including impactful investments in securities firm Magal Security. A fervent supporter of community development, his Kirsh Foundation has notably advanced small businesses and educational initiatives within Eswatini and Israel, furthering economic growth and philanthropic contributions worldwide.

Born

January 06, 1932

Age

94 years

Source Of Wealth

Retail, Real Estate

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Residence

Ezulwini

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Witwatersrand

Nathan "Natie" Kirsh was born on 6 January 1932 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Lithuania. Kirsh grew up in Potchefstroom and matriculated from Potchefstroom Boys High in 1949. He then joined the Labor Zionist youth movement Habonim Dror.

Kirsh earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1952. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Swaziland.

Nathan Kirsh: Family

Nathan Kirsh is married to Frances Herr, and they have three children together: Philip Kirsh (son) and two daughters. Kirsh resides in Ezulwini, Eswatini, where he holds citizenship. He keeps kosher but does not consider himself religious. His brother, Issie, founded Radio 702 and Primedia.

Nathan Kirsh: Career Highlights

Kirsh assisted his mother with his father's original malt factory in Potchefstroom in 1952. He launched his own corn milling and malt business in Eswatini in 1958. In 1970, he acquired Moshal Gevisser, a South African wholesale food distributor. Kirsh used Moshal Gevisser to supply goods to black shopkeepers during apartheid.

In June 1976, Kirsh founded Jetro, a cash and carry store in Brooklyn, New York. He acquired Restaurant Depot in 1994 and opened its first New York retail outlet in 1995. Jetro and Restaurant Depot operated as sister businesses under Jetro Holdings.

In the late 1970s, Kirsh acquired Magal Security Systems from Israel Aerospace Industries. He listed Magal Security on Nasdaq in 1993 and held a 24.2% stake in the company in 2009. In 2014, he sold his 40% stake in Magal to FIMI.

Kirsh left South Africa in 1986 after selling much of Kirsh Industries to Sanlam. By early 2018, he retained retail and property interests in Britain, the United States, Australia, and Eswatini.

Nathan Kirsh: Companies

Nathan Kirsh is the head of the Kirsh Group, which has a majority stake in the New York state cash and carry operation Jetro Holdings.

He also has equity and investments in Australia, Eswatini (Swaziland), the UK, the US, and Israel.

Some of the notable companies associated with Nathan Kirsh include:

Jetro Holdings
Restaurant Depot
Moshal Gevisser
Magal Security Systems
Kirsh Industries

Nathan Kirsh: Major Achievements

Nathan Kirsh has achieved significant success in the business world. Some of his major achievements include:

Building Jetro Holdings into a successful cash and carry operation with over 115 stores in the United States.
Acquiring and growing Magal Security Systems, a leading provider of security solutions.
Establishing the Kirsh Foundation, an international charitable organization that supports various causes, including small business startups and education.
Receiving numerous awards and recognitions for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts.

Nathan Kirsh: Awards & Achievements

Nathan Kirsh has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and philanthropy. Some of his notable awards include:

Forbes listed him as one of the world's billionaires.
Listed on the UK’s Sunday Times Rich List 2018.
Named the wealthiest person in Eswatini by Forbes.
Received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies in 2018.
Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

Nathan Kirsh: Personal Life & Legacy

Nathan Kirsh is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Kirsh Foundation. He has made significant contributions to various causes, including small business startups, computer education, and humanitarian aid. Kirsh is also known for his support of Jewish causes and his efforts to combat antisemitism.

Kirsh's legacy is one of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and social responsibility. He has built a successful business empire while also making a positive impact on society through his charitable work.

Nathan Kirsh: Trivia

Kirsh is a keen golfer and has played at some of the world's most famous courses, including St Andrews and Augusta National.
He is a patron of the arts and has supported various cultural institutions, including the Jerusalem Arts Campus and the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership.

Kirsh is a strong advocate for Israel and has been involved in several initiatives to promote the country's interests.
He is a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including the Jewish People Policy Institute and the Anti-Defamation League.

Wealth History

Timeline

6 January 1932

Nathan "Natie" Kirsh is born to Jewish parents who immigrated from Lithuania.

1949

Kirsh matriculates from Potchefstroom Boys High.

1952

Kirsh earns a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the Witwatersrand.

1952

Kirsh assists his mother with his father's original malt factory in Potchefstroom.

1958

Kirsh launches his own corn milling and malt business in Eswatini.

1970

Kirsh acquires Moshal Gevisser, a South African wholesale food distributor.

June 1976

Kirsh founds Jetro, a cash and carry store in Brooklyn, New York.

1986

Kirsh leaves South Africa after selling much of Kirsh Industries to Sanlam.

1993

Kirsh lists Magal Security on Nasdaq.

1994

Kirsh acquires Restaurant Depot.

1995

Restaurant Depot opens its first New York retail outlet.

2003

Warren Buffett attempts to buy a minority share of Jetro Holdings, but terms could not be agreed upon.

2009

Kirsh holds a 24.2% stake in Magal Security.

2014

Kirsh sells his 40% stake in Magal to FIMI.

2015

Around 20,000 people are employed by small-scale businesses started by the Kirsh Foundation fund.

2016

The Natan fund has financed 700 startups, with an 85% success rate.

2018

Kirsh owns 75% of Jetro Holdings, with about 115 Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot stores in the United States.

2020

Kirsh donates $8.8 million to his alma mater, the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

2021

Kirsh funds a mission for humanitarian NGO IsraAID to aid with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Swaziland.

Nathan Kirsh : FAQs

What is Nathan Kirsh's current net worth?

Nathan Kirsh's current net worth is $7.76 billion.

What is Nathan Kirsh's current global rank among billionaires?

Nathan Kirsh holds the 469th position globally among billionaires.

What is Nathan Kirsh's current ranking within the Eswatini (Swaziland)?

Nathan Kirsh holds the 1st position in Eswatini (Swaziland).

What was the change in Nathan Kirsh's net worth compared to the previous year?

Nathan Kirsh's net worth decreased by 55.94 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 7.82 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Nathan Kirsh's net worth?

Nathan Kirsh's net worth decreased by 2.34 million dollars recently, a 0.03% decrease, with his net worth standing at 7.76 billion dollars.

What are Nathan Kirsh's main sources of wealth?

Nathan Kirsh's main source of income comes from Retail, Real Estate.

In which industry does Nathan Kirsh primarily operate?

Nathan Kirsh is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

What is Nathan Kirsh educational background?

Nathan Kirsh holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Witwatersrand.

How old is Nathan Kirsh?

Nathan Kirsh is 94 years old.

How many children does Nathan Kirsh have?

Nathan Kirsh has 3 children.

Who is Nathan 'Natie' Kirsh?

Nathan 'Natie' Kirsh is a South African billionaire businessman and philanthropist, heading the Kirsh Group with significant investments across various countries, and is estimated to have a wealth of $5.3 billion as of April 2022.

What businesses does Natie Kirsh's Kirsh Group operate?

Natie Kirsh's Kirsh Group holds a majority stake in Jetro Holdings, which operates cash and carry stores and Restaurant Depot in the United States, and has equity in companies across Australia, Eswatini, UK, the US, and Israel.

How did Natie Kirsh begin his career and what are some of his business achievements?

Natie Kirsh started assisting in his father's malt factory, founded a corn milling business, acquired Moshal Gevisser, and established Jetro. He expanded into the UK, US, and Australian markets, and was involved in companies like Magal Security Systems.

What philanthropic efforts has Natie Kirsh been involved in?

Natie Kirsh established the Kirsh Foundation, contributed to small business growth and education in Eswatini, funded successful startups in Israel, facilitated COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and supported various educational and cultural initiatives globally.