Nicky Oppenheimer

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Nicholas "Nicky" F. Oppenheimer (born 8 June 1945) is a billionaire South African businessman, the chairman of the De Beers diamond mining company and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company. He also has a large financial interest in the gold mining company Anglo American.

He is the son of Harry Oppenheimer and grandson of Ernest Oppenheimer, the first generation of the family to chair (from 1929) the De Beers diamond mining company in South Africa, founded by Cecil John Rhodes in 1888.

He was educated in England at Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford where he graduated with a MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

Forbes "World's Richest People" List of billionaires (2005) estimated his net worth at US$6.0 billion in 2005.

In 1968 he married Orcillia "Strilli" Lasch, daughter of industrial tycoon Helli Lasch and Orcillia Lasch, Sen.. His son Jonathan Oppenheimer and nephew Taylor Plant are expected to succeed him in the company.

He lives in Johannesburg on the Brenthurst Gardens estate and has a country estate in England, Waltham Place (with gardens open to the public and an associated organic Farm), at White Waltham in Berkshire.

He, and his wife, Strilli, are members of the St George's Anglican Church, Parktown, Johannesburg. The Brenthurst Garden is affiliated to The Quiet Garden Trust, a Christian organisation providing places for prayer, silence and reflection.

[edit] Publications

  • Luke Over, Nicky Oppenheimer, and Chris Tyrell (Illustrator) - Waltham Place: and its Surrounding Parish (2001) ISBN 0-9541669-0-6

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Preceded by
Harry Frederick Oppenheimer
Chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines
circa circa 1983-Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Languages