Retail icon Raymond Ackerman dies at 92

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Retail giant Pick and Pay (PnP) has confirmed its founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away aged 92. 

In as statement issued on Thursday, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange(JSE) listed group announced his passing.

Ackerman founded PnP in 1976 along with his wife Wendy, after buying four stores in Cape Town.

With over 1600 PnP stores across South Africa, the company has a R17 billion market cap.

He came from a retailing family with his father having founded Ackermans after world war one. 

With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away.
A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa.🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Io0uunYhAJ

— Pick n Pay (@PicknPay) September 7, 2023

The JSE CEO Leila Fourie has extended her condolences to the family.

“He was an iconic figure and built very important brand and [very important] company that contributed to the growth of the economy.

“So, we are genuinely saddened by the news and we celebrate the contribution which he has made over his lifetime,” she said. 

Tribute pour in for Raymond Ackerman

Ackerman leaves behind his wife, four children, twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

As condolences continue to pour in, Woolworths said Raymond was an astute businessman and fierce competitor, known for his wisdom and humanity.

We're saddened to hear of the passing of Raymond Ackerman, a giant of SA Retail.

Raymond was an astute businessman and fierce competitor, known for his wisdom and his humanity. He will be missed.

Our condolences to his family, his Pick n Pay family, and all who loved him.

— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) September 7, 2023

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Politician Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One SA said Ackerman’s impact on retail and his contribution to the South African economy will never be forgotten.

South Africa has lost a giant with the passing of Raymond Ackerman.

His impact on retail and his contribution to the South African economy will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to his family, friends and faith community. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/DGzmsKsbx1

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) September 7, 2023

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Raymond Ackerman’s family and his @PicknPay family. After founding Pick n Pay in 1967 with his wife Wendy, he left an enormous impact on the industry and South African economy. His positive contribution to our society will be his legacy. pic.twitter.com/BNLKtf4j3c

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) September 7, 2023