Pick n Pay Founder, Raymond Ackerman Has Passed Away

Information reaching our news desk has it that the Founder and owner of one of the biggest supermarkets in South Africa P n Pay, Raymond Ackerman has passed away. Raymond was reported to have died on September 6, 2023.

The cause of his death was not disclosed to the public at the time of filing this report. He was survived by his wife Wendy and their three children.

Raymond Ackerman was a true pioneer in the South African retail industry. He transformed the way people shop and helped to make groceries more affordable for everyone. He was also a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. He will be remembered as one of the most influential businessmen in South Africa’s history.

Who Is Raymond Ackerman?

Raymond Ackerman was a South African businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of the Pick n Pay supermarket chain, which is one of the largest retailers in Africa. Ackerman was also a strong advocate for social justice and equality, and he donated generously to charitable causes.

Ackerman was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1931. His father, Gus Ackerman, was a successful businessman who founded the Ackerman clothing chain. Raymond Ackerman attended Bishop’s Diocesan College and the University of Cape Town, where he studied commerce.

After graduating from university, Ackerman worked for the Greatermans group of stores. In 1966, he was fired from his job as managing director of 85 Checkers stores. Ackerman used his severance pay and a bank loan to buy four stores in Cape Town trading under the name Pick ‘n Pay.

Ackerman quickly turned Pick n Pay into a successful business. He introduced a number of innovative marketing techniques, such as self-service and loyalty cards. He also focused on providing high-quality products at low prices.

Under Ackerman’s leadership, Pick n Pay expanded rapidly. By the time he stepped down as chairman in 2010, the company had over 1,600 stores in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Australia.

In addition to his business interests, Ackerman was also a strong advocate for social justice and equality. He was a vocal critic of apartheid, and he donated generously to charitable causes. He was also a founding member of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Ackerman was awarded the Order of the Baobab in 2006 for his contribution to business and social development. He was also inducted into the South African Jewish Board of Deputies Hall of Fame in 2011.