Nicky Oppenheimer & family

$10.55 B

Ranked #302 in World

About Nicky Oppenheimer & family

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer, South Africa's diamond magnate and the continent's third wealthiest individual, has shaped the precious stone industry as the past chair of De Beers and Anglo American. Born in 1945 into a legacy founded by Ernest Oppenheimer, his educational journey spanned elite institutions, culminating in an MA from Oxford in PPE. His strategic roles in De Beers and philanthropic ventures, like the Brenthurst Foundation and Diamond Route, bolster Southern Africa’s development and conservation efforts, earning him numerous accolades and a storied influence in the region's economic and cultural landscape.

Born

June 08, 1945

Age

80 years

Source Of Wealth

Diamonds

Industries

Metals & Mining

Citizenship

South Africa

Residence

Johannesburg

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Oxford U Christ Church; Master of Arts, Oxford U Christ Church

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer, the South African billionaire businessman, was born on 8th June 1945. He is the son of Bridget (née McCall) and Harry Oppenheimer, and the grandson of Anglo American founder Ernest Oppenheimer. Nicholas received his early education at Ludgrove School, Harrow School, and Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned an MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Family

Nicholas Oppenheimer is married to Orcillia "Strilli" Lasch, and they are both Anglican. His father, Harry Oppenheimer, was born Jewish but later converted to Anglicanism.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Career Highlights

Nicholas Oppenheimer's business career began in 1968 when he joined Anglo American. He was appointed as a director in 1974 and became deputy chairman in 1983. He resigned in 2001 but remained a non-executive director until 2011. In 1984, he was appointed deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation (now Diamond Trading Company) and deputy chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1985. He became chairman of the Diamond Trading Company in the same year and served as chairman of the De Beers Group from 1998 to 2012. He retired when the family stake was sold to Anglo American.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Companies

Nicholas Oppenheimer has held leadership positions in several companies, including Anglo American, De Beers diamond mining company, and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Major Achievements

As chairman of the De Beers Group, Nicholas Oppenheimer played a significant role in shaping the global diamond industry. He oversaw the company's transformation from a traditional mining operation to a modern, diversified corporation. He also led the development of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Awards & Achievements

Nicholas Oppenheimer has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and society. These include an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand in 2003, the Presidential Order of Honour from former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, in 2004, and an honorary fellowship from London Business School in 2009.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Nicholas Oppenheimer is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Oppenheimer family's involvement in preserving the heritage and cultural importance of the Southern African region.

He established the Brenthurst Foundation in 2005 to contribute to the debate around strategies and policies for strengthening Africa's economic performance and enabling inclusive and sustainable development. He has also partnered with De Beers to establish the Diamond Route in 2006 to maximize the potential of their properties for conservation, research, and environmental awareness purposes.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family: Trivia

Nicholas Oppenheimer is the author of the book "Waltham Place: and its Surrounding Parish," published in 2001, co-written with Luke Over and illustrated by Chris Tyrrell.

Wealth History

Timeline

8 June 1945

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer is born in South Africa.

1968

Oppenheimer joins Anglo American.

1974

Oppenheimer is appointed director of Anglo American.

1983

Oppenheimer becomes deputy chairman of Anglo American.

1984

Oppenheimer is appointed deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation (now Diamond Trading Company).

1985

Oppenheimer is appointed deputy chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines and chairman of the Diamond Trading Company.

1998

Oppenheimer becomes chairman of the De Beers Group.

2001

Oppenheimer resigns as deputy chairman of Anglo American, but remains a non-executive director until 2011.

2003

Oppenheimer receives an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand.

2004

Oppenheimer receives the Presidential Order of Honour from former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.

2005

Oppenheimer establishes the Brenthurst Foundation to contribute to the debate around strategies and policies for strengthening Africa's economic performance and enabling inclusive and sustainable development.

2006

Oppenheimer partners with De Beers to establish the Diamond Route to maximize the potential of their properties for conservation, research, and environmental awareness purposes.

2009

Oppenheimer receives an honorary fellowship from London Business School.

2012

Oppenheimer retires as chairman of the De Beers Group when the family stake is sold to Anglo American.

2015

Oppenheimer becomes a Rhodes Trustee.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family : FAQs

What is Nicky Oppenheimer's current net worth?

Nicky Oppenheimer's current net worth is $10.55 billion.

What is Nicky Oppenheimer's current global rank among billionaires?

Nicky Oppenheimer holds the 302nd position globally among billionaires.

What is Nicky Oppenheimer's current ranking within the South Africa?

Nicky Oppenheimer holds the 2nd position in South Africa.

What was the change in Nicky Oppenheimer's net worth compared to the previous year?

Nicky Oppenheimer's net worth increased by 8.39 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 10.54 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Nicky Oppenheimer's net worth?

Nicky Oppenheimer's net worth increased by 4.75 million dollars recently, a 0.05% increase, with his net worth standing at 10.55 billion dollars.

What are Nicky Oppenheimer's main sources of wealth?

Nicky Oppenheimer's main source of income comes from Diamonds.

In which industry does Nicky Oppenheimer primarily operate?

Nicky Oppenheimer is primarily involved in the Metals & Mining industry.

What is Nicky Oppenheimer educational background?

Nicky Oppenheimer holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Oxford U Christ Church and a Master of Arts from Oxford U Christ Church.

How old is Nicky Oppenheimer?

Nicky Oppenheimer is 80 years old.

How many children does Nicky Oppenheimer have?

Nicky Oppenheimer has 1 children.

Who is Nicholas F. Oppenheimer and what is he known for in the business world?

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer is a South African billionaire businessman, known for his former roles as chairman of De Beers diamond mining company and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company, as well as being the former deputy chairman of Anglo American. He is also recognized as the third richest man in Africa.

Can you outline Nicholas F. Oppenheimer's journey in the family business?

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer joined Anglo American in 1968, was appointed as a director in 1974, and became deputy chairman in 1983. He later took on significant roles in the diamond industry, becoming deputy chairman and then chairman of the Diamond Trading Company, as well as chairman of De Beers Group from 1998 to 2012, before retiring after the family stake was sold to Anglo American.

How has Nicholas F. Oppenheimer contributed to philanthropy?

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer has been actively involved in philanthropy through initiatives like preserving Southern African heritage, community upliftment in education and health, nature conservation, and the arts. He established the Brenthurst Foundation in 2005 and partnered with De Beers to establish the Diamond Route in 2006, and has been a Rhodes Trustee since 2015.

What are some of Nicholas F. Oppenheimer's notable awards and recognitions?

Nicholas F. Oppenheimer has received several accolades including an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand in 2003, the Presidential Order of Honour from former Botswana President Festus Mogae in 2004, and an honorary fellowship from London Business School in 2009.