Raymond Ackerman was a South African businessman and philanthropist who was born on March 10, 1931, and passed away on September 6, 2023, at the age of 92.
He was the founder and owner of Pick ‘n Pay, a supermarket chain store in South Africa.
Ackerman purchased the Pick ‘n Pay supermarket group from its founder, Jack Goldin, in the 1960s, and he was the chairman of the company until he stepped down in 2010.
He built his business based on the philosophy of “doing good is good business”.
Ackerman was also involved in philanthropic activities, and he and his wife donated R4 million to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town in 2006.
In addition, the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development was opened in Cape Town in 2005 to develop business skills and train future managers and leaders for South Africa.
Ackerman was awarded the 2010 David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership in Africa Award by The Synergos Institute Southern Africa office.
Raymond Ackerman wife
Ackerman was married to Wendy Ackerman, who played a significant role in the success of the business.
Wendy played a significant role in the success of the Pick ‘n Pay supermarket group having described the first store they bought as an ugly, dirty little store.
In 2010, she was awarded the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership in Africa Award by The Synergos Institute Southern Africa office, together with her husband.
Wendy has not been in the public eye as much as her husband, and there is limited information available about her personal life and accomplishments.
Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has died.
May his soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/BGRNeQACPa
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 7, 2023
Raymond Ackerman children
Wendy and Ackerman had four children; Suzanne, Kathryn, Jonathan and Gareth.
The Ackerman family was involved in philanthropic activities, including supporting the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, which was established in 1956 with Gus’s involvement.
In 2006, the Ackermans donated R4 million to the hospital.
Raymond Ackerman career
Ackerman started his career in the retail industry as a young man, working for his father’s clothing store.
In 1957, he opened his first store, a small grocery store in Cape Town called Pick n Pay.
The store was initially struggling, but Ackerman turned it around by introducing innovative marketing strategies and focusing on customer service.
He expanded the business by opening more stores and eventually turned it into one of the largest supermarket chains in South Africa.
Ackerman was known for his business philosophy of “doing good is good business.”
He believed that businesses should not only focus on making a profit but also on making a positive impact on society.
Ackerman was a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility and was involved in various philanthropic initiatives throughout his career.
In addition to his business career, he was also involved in politics.
Ackerman was a member of the South African parliament from 1977 to 1984 and was a vocal opponent of apartheid.
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the retail industry and society.
Ackerman was awarded the Order of the Baobab, one of South Africa’s highest honors, in 2006.
