Ivor Ichikowitz
| Ivor Ichikowitz | |
|---|---|
| File:Ivor Ichikowitz Portrait Photograph.jpg
Ivor Ichikowitz
|
|
| Born | Springs, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Alma mater | University of Witwatersrand |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | Executive chairman of Paramount Group |
Ivor Ichikowitz (born 1966) is a South African businessman, founder and executive chairman of Paramount Group.[1][2][3][4]
He is an entrepreneur and industrialist, advocating South Africa and the wider continent's manufacturing capacity and championing a developing engineering sector for the social and economic advancement of Africa.[5][6]
Contents
Early life and education
Ichikowitz was born in the mining town of Springs, South Africa, where he experienced first-hand the many challenges of the country's transition.[7] His father, Louis, imported Suzuki motorcycles, setting the foundation on which Ichikowitz would later build his own company.[7][8]
Ichikowitz studied drama at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.[9] During his time at university he became involved with protest theatre, before travelling throughout Africa and studying African literature.[9]
Career
During the past twenty years, Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses across the African continent; spanning defence and aerospace, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and sustainable development, property, retail and tourism.[7]
Ichikowitz founded the Paramount Group in 1994, to operate in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.[7][10][11] The group manufactures a range of armoured vehicles[12][13] and deals in surplus South African military equipment,[14] including fighter aircraft.[15]
In 2011 the Paramount Group launched the Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft, due to take its first flight in 2013.[16][17][needs update]
Paramount Group operates in countries in the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as in India.[18]
In addition to his role at Paramount Group, Ichikowitz is the executive chairman of private equity group TransAfrica Capital, which invests in scientific research and development projects.[7]
Controversy
Ichikowitz has been criticised for being a "close ally" of the ruling African National Congress (ANC),[19] and for providing President Jacob Zuma with an aircraft to use for an ANC fundraising and business trip to Lebanon and Kazakhstan.[20][21] Another flight by Zuma to the United States on an aircraft owned by Ichikowitz in 2011 caused considerable controversy when the cost (R6.3 million) was questioned in parliament.[22] The official presidential aircraft, operated by the South African Air Force, was not available for the flight.[23][24][25]
Ichikowitz has also been criticised for his involvement in the controversial Oil-for-Food Programme in the aftermath of the Gulf War.[26]
Philanthropic interests
Ichikowitz maintains a philanthropic organisation called the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, established in 2010.[27] The Foundation is focused on developing Africa through education programmes, promotion of human rights, a better understanding of Africa's modern history and the conservation of the continent's biodiversity.[28][29]
References
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