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{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Ivor Ichikowitz
| name = Ivor Ichikowitz
| image =
| image =Ivor Ichikowitz Portrait Photograph.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Ivor Ichikowitz
| caption = Ivor Ichikowitz
| birth_date = <!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Birth-date and age|Month DD, YYYY}} -->
| birth_date = <!-- {{Birth date and age|1966|MM|DD}} or {{Birth-date and age|Month DD, YYYY}} -->
| birth_place =
| birth_place = [[Springs, Gauteng]], South Africa
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| death_place =
| nationality = South Africa
| nationality = South African
| other_names =
| other_names =
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of the Witwatersrand]]
| occupation = Business executive
| occupation = Business Executive and Philanthropist
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of Witwatersrand]]
| known_for = Executive chairman of [[Paramount Group]]
| known_for = Founder and former executive chairman of [[Paramount Group]], Ichikowitz Family Foundation
| website = http://www.ivorichikowitz.com/profile
}}
}}
'''Ivor Ichikowitz''' (born 1966) is a [[South African]] businessman, founder and executive chairman of [[Paramount Group]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/08/17/corporate-watch-paramount-group-takes-off/#axzz2FVlMHXym|title=Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft|last=Minto|first=Rob|date=17 August 2012|work=[[Financial Times]]|accessdate=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27810&Itemid=116|title=Paramount Chairman, Ivor Ichikowitz, calls for leadership in innovation|date=23 September 2012|work=Defence Web|accessdate=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanaerospace.aero/paramount-group-inspires-next-generation-of-african-engineers.html |title=African Aerospace – Paramount Group inspires next generation of African engineers |publisher=Africanaerospace.aero |date=8 November 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |magazine=The African Business Journal p.30-40 |date=March 2013}}</ref>
'''Ivor Ichikowitz''' (born September 1966) is a South African businessman, founder and former executive chairman of [[Paramount Group]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/08/17/corporate-watch-paramount-group-takes-off/#axzz2FVlMHXym|title=Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft|last=Minto|first=Rob|date=17 August 2012|work=[[Financial Times]]|access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27810&Itemid=116|title=Paramount Chairman, Ivor Ichikowitz, calls for leadership in innovation|date=23 September 2012|work=Defence Web|access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanaerospace.aero/paramount-group-inspires-next-generation-of-african-engineers.html |title=African Aerospace – Paramount Group inspires next generation of African engineers |publisher=Africanaerospace.aero |date=8 November 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |magazine=The African Business Journal p.30-40 |date=March 2013}}</ref> He is also an executive chairman of TransAfrica Capital<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.transafricacapital.com/about.html|title=transafricacapital.com}}</ref> and the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/i-am-constitution-110516.htm#.V2Pb-LsrLIU|title=SouthAfrica.info}}</ref>

He is a well-known entrepreneur and [[industrialist]], advocating South Africa and the wider continent's manufacturing capacity and regularly championing the importance of a developing engineering sector for the social and economic advancement of Africa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abndigital.com/page/multimedia/video/entrepreneurial-edge/1320967-Ivor-Ichikowitz-Executive-Chairman-Paramount-Group-Part-1|title=Ivor Ichikowitz – Executive Chairman, Paramount Group|work=ABN Digital|accessdate=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/2012/09/13/lessons-for-sa-in-growth-elsewhere-in-africa |title=Lessons for SA in growth elsewhere in Africa &#124; Opinion & Analysis |publisher=BDlive |date=13 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Ivor Ichikowitz was born in 1966 in the mining town of [[Springs, Gauteng|Springs]] in South Africa where he experienced first-hand the many challenges of the country's transition.<ref name="Tilley2012">{{cite news |title=The Can-Do Man of Action |first=Les |last=Tilley |url= |magazine=Forbes p.54 |date=September 2012}}</ref>
Ichikowitz was born in the mining town of [[Springs, Gauteng|Springs]], South Africa, where he experienced first-hand the country's transition.<ref name="Tilley2012">{{cite news |title=The Can-Do Man of Action |first=Les |last=Tilley |magazine=Forbes |page=54 |date=September 2012}}</ref> His father, Louis, imported [[Suzuki]] motorcycles, setting the foundation on which Ichikowitz would later build his own company.<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Arms and the Man |first=Alex |last=Duval Smith |magazine=Monocle }}</ref>


⚫
Ichikowitz studied drama at the [[University of the Witwatersrand]] in [[Johannesburg]], South Africa.<ref name="Kidd2011">{{cite news |title=South Africa's unlikely ally |first=Kenneth |last=Kidd |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2011/12/04/south_africas_unlikely_ally.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |page=9 |date=4 December 2011}}</ref> During his time at university he became involved with protest theatre, before travelling throughout Africa and studying African literature.<ref name="Kidd2011" />
Ichikowitz's father, Louis, began importing [[Suzuki]] motorcycles, setting the foundation on which Ivor would later build his own company – [[Paramount Group]].<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Arms and the Man |first=Alex |last=Duval Smith |url= |magazine=Monocle |date= }}</ref>


⚫
== Career ==
⚫
Ichikowitz studied drama at the [[University of Witwatersrand]] in [[Johannesburg]], South Africa.<ref name="Kidd2011">{{cite news |title=South Africa's unlikely ally |first=Kenneth |last=Kidd |url=http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2011/12/04/south_africas_unlikely_ally.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |page=9 |date=4 December 2011}}</ref> During his time at university Ichikowitz became involved with protest theatre before travelling in Africa and studying African literature.<ref name="Kidd2011" />
During the past twenty years, Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses including [[defence industry|defence]] and [[aerospace]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.intelligenceonline.com/insiders/INT/AFRICA%2FCENTRAL%20ASIA%2FMIDDLE%20EAST/2016/09/07/ivor-ichikowitz-the-worldwide-connections-of-the-south-african-arms-magnate,108179801-BE1 |title=Ivor Ichikowitz, the worldwide connections of the South African arms magnate |publisher=intelligenceonline.com |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref> mining, oil and gas, agriculture and sustainable development, [[property]], retail and tourism.<ref name="Tilley2012" />


⚫
Ichikowitz founded the [[Paramount Group]] in 1994, to operate in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite web|author=[[Diana Magnay]], CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/17/south.africa.defense.industry/index.html |title=South Africa's booming defense industry |publisher=CNN |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fm.co.za/business/fox/2012/12/07/sa-s-defence-industry-ties-growing-apace |title=SA's defence industry ties growing apace |publisher=FM |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> The group operates in countries in the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategicdefenceintelligence.com/article/da5e672ff3/2011/02/23/Paramount_Group_enters_into_joint_venture_with_Int/|title=Paramount Group enters into joint venture with International Golden Group|publisher=Strategic Defence Intelligence|access-date=2013-04-26|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203035942/http://www.strategicdefenceintelligence.com/article/da5e672ff3/2011/02/23/Paramount_Group_enters_into_joint_venture_with_Int/|archive-date=3 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> It manufactures a range of [[armoured vehicles]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/the-marauder-part-1-series-17-episode-1 |title=The Marauder, part 1 (Series 17, Episode 1) – BBC Top Gear |publisher=Topgear.com |access-date=2013-04-26 |archive-date=18 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518163812/http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/the-marauder-part-1-series-17-episode-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/aad-12-paramount-launches-new-vehicle-variant/ |title=AAD 2012: Paramount launches new vehicle variant – News – Shephard |publisher=Shephardmedia.com |date=18 September 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> and deals in surplus South African military equipment,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27616&Itemid=242 |title=South Africa has sold R4.8 billion worth of weaponry this year |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=10 September 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> including fighter aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14988:paramount-confirms-mirage-f1azs-delivered-to-congo-brazzaville-eyes-future-customers&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Paramount confirms Mirage F1AZs delivered to Congo-Brazzaville, eyes future customers |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref>
⚫
==Career==
During the past twenty years Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses across the African continent – spanning [[defence industry|defence]] and [[aerospace]], mining, oil and gas, agriculture and sustainable development, [[property]], retail and tourism.<ref name="Tilley2012" />


Ichikowitz founded [[Paramount Group]] in 1994. The company operates in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite web|author=From Diana Magnay, CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/17/south.africa.defense.industry/index.html |title=South Africa's booming defense industry - CNN.com |publisher=Edition.cnn.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fm.co.za/business/fox/2012/12/07/sa-s-defence-industry-ties-growing-apace |title=SA's defence industry ties growing apace |publisher=FM |date=7 December 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>
In 2011 the Paramount Group launched the [[AHRLAC|Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft]], due to take its first flight in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/08/17/corporate-watch-paramount-group-takes-off/ |title=Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft &#124; beyondbrics |publisher=Blogs.ft.com |date=17 August 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mantshantsha |first=Sikonathi |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-17/paramount-to-fly-africa-s-latest-military-plane-next-year.html |title=Paramount to Fly Africa's Latest Military Plane Next Year |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=17 September 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref>{{Update inline|reason=First flight date?|date=February 2015}}


⚫
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.<ref name="Tilley2012" />
⚫
The Paramount Group manufactures a range of [[armoured vehicles]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/the-marauder-part-1-series-17-episode-1 |title=The Marauder, part 1 (Series 17, Episode 1) – BBC Top Gear |publisher=Topgear.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/aad-12-paramount-launches-new-vehicle-variant/ |title=AAD 2012: Paramount launches new vehicle variant – News – Shephard |publisher=Shephardmedia.com |date=18 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> and deals in surplus South African military equipment,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27616&Itemid=242 |title=South Africa has sold R4.8 billion worth of weaponry this year |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=10 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> including fighter aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14988:paramount-confirms-mirage-f1azs-delivered-to-congo-brazzaville-eyes-future-customers&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Paramount confirms Mirage F1AZs delivered to Congo-Brazzaville, eyes future customers |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=21 April 2011 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>


⚫
== Controversy ==
In 2011 Paramount Group launched the [[AHRLAC]], due to take its first flight in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/08/17/corporate-watch-paramount-group-takes-off/ |title=Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft &#124; beyondbrics |publisher=Blogs.ft.com |date=17 August 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mantshantsha |first=Sikonathi |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-17/paramount-to-fly-africa-s-latest-military-plane-next-year.html |title=Paramount to Fly Africa's Latest Military Plane Next Year |publisher=Bloomberg |date=17 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> Paramount Group operates in countries in the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategicdefenceintelligence.com/article/da5e672ff3/2011/02/23/Paramount_Group_enters_into_joint_venture_with_Int/ |title=Paramount Group enters into joint venture with International Golden Group |publisher=Strategic Defence Intelligence |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>
⚫
Ichikowitz has been criticised for being a "close ally" of the ruling [[African National Congress]] (ANC),<ref>{{cite web|author=Stephan Hofstatter, Rob Rose And Mzilikazi Wa Afrika |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/specialreports/stinvestigations/2013/03/27/arms-and-the-man-who-would-be-king |title=Arms and the man who would be king |publisher=Times LIVE |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> and for providing President [[Jacob Zuma]] with an aircraft to use for an ANC fundraising and business trip to Lebanon and Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypress.co.za/features/ivor-the-invincible-20101010/ |title=Ivor the invincible |publisher=City Press |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2010-03-05-crony-capitalists-on-jzs-coattails |title=Crony capitalists on JZ's coat-tails &#124; News &#124; National &#124; Mail & Guardian |publisher=Mg.co.za |date=5 March 2010 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> Another flight by Zuma to the United States on an aircraft owned by Ichikowitz in 2011 caused considerable controversy when the cost ([[South African rand|R]]6.3 million) was questioned in parliament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iol.co.za/the-star/da-wants-answers-on-zuma-s-us-trip-1.1141559 |title=DA wants answers on Zuma's US trip – The Star |publisher=IOL.co.za |date=21 September 2011 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref> The official presidential aircraft, operated by the [[South African Air Force]], was not available for the flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ewn.co.za/2011/11/24/Zumas-R63m-US-flight |title=Eyewitness News: Zuma's R6.3m US flight |publisher=Ewn.co.za |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://ewn.co.za/2011/09/20/More-questions-raised-over-Zumas-hired-jet |title=Eyewitness News: More questions raised over Zuma's hired jet |publisher=Ewn.co.za |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19294:zuma-flies-qair-ichikowitzq&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Zuma flies "Air Ichikowitz" |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=21 September 2011 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref>


Ichikowitz has also been criticised for his involvement in the controversial [[Oil-for-Food Programme]] in the aftermath of the [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sareporter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=490&Itemid=41 |title=The arms dealer who flies Zuma |publisher=sareporter.com |date=13 March 2009 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref>
⚫
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.<ref name="Tilley2012" />


During September 2020 Ichikowitz and his company Paramount were listed in the [[FinCEN Files]] for various SAR (Suspicious Activety Reports) by the US Dept of Treasury for suspicious and corrupt transactions including possible money laundering exceeding $250m.
⚫
==Controversy==
<ref>{{cite news|url=https://projects.icij.org/investigations/fincen-files/confidential-clients/#/en/ivor-ichikowitz/embed |title=FinCEN Files Ivor Ichikowitz |publisher=icig.org |date=21 September 2020|accessdate=2020-09-25}}</ref>
⚫
Ichikowitz has been criticised for being a "close ally" of the ruling [[African National Congress]] (ANC),<ref>{{cite web|author=Stephan Hofstatter, Rob Rose And Mzilikazi Wa Afrika |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/specialreports/stinvestigations/2013/03/27/arms-and-the-man-who-would-be-king |title=Arms and the man who would be king |publisher=Times LIVE |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> and for providing President [[Jacob Zuma]] with an aircraft to use for an ANC fundraising and business trip to Lebanon and Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypress.co.za/features/ivor-the-invincible-20101010/ |title=Ivor the invincible |publisher=City Press |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2010-03-05-crony-capitalists-on-jzs-coattails |title=Crony capitalists on JZ's coat-tails &#124; News &#124; National &#124; Mail & Guardian |publisher=Mg.co.za |date=5 March 2010 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> Another flight by Zuma to the United States on an aircraft owned by Ichikowitz in 2011 caused considerable controversy when the cost of [[South African rand|R]]6.3 million was questioned in parliament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iol.co.za/the-star/da-wants-answers-on-zuma-s-us-trip-1.1141559 |title=DA wants answers on Zuma's US trip – The Star |publisher=IOL.co.za |date=21 September 2011 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> The official presidential aircraft, operated by the [[South African Air Force]], was not available for the flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ewn.co.za/2011/11/24/Zumas-R63m-US-flight |title=Eyewitness News: Zuma's R6.3m US flight |publisher=Ewn.co.za |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://ewn.co.za/2011/09/20/More-questions-raised-over-Zumas-hired-jet |title=Eyewitness News: More questions raised over Zuma's hired jet |publisher=Ewn.co.za |date= |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19294:zuma-flies-qair-ichikowitzq&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Zuma flies "Air Ichikowitz" |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=21 September 2011 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> Ichikowitz has also been criticised for his involvement in the controversial [[Oil-for-Food Programme]] in the aftermath of the [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sareporter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=490&Itemid=41 |title=The arms dealer who flies Zuma |publisher=sareporter.com |date=13 March 2009 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>


==Philanthropic interests==
== Philanthropic interests ==
Ichikowitz maintains a philanthropic organisation called the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, founded in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news24.com/Green/News/SA-using-aircraft-to-fight-poaching-20121204 |title=SA using aircraft to fight poaching |publisher=News24 |date=4 December 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref> The Foundation is focussed 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/new-measures-to-combat-rhino-poaching-1.1435395 |title=New measures to combat rhino poaching – Crime & Courts &#124; IOL News |publisher=IOL.co.za |date=4 December 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28746:paramount-donates-aircraft-to-combat-rhino-poaching&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Paramount donates aircraft to combat rhino poaching |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=4 December 2012 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>
Ichikowitz is the founder of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, established in 2010. The Foundation is actively involved in [[wildlife conservation]] of endangered species, especially the protection of Africa's rhinos and elephant population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ichikowitzfoundation.com/parabot.php|title=ichikowitzfoundation.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news24.com/Green/News/SA-using-aircraft-to-fight-poaching-20121204 |title=SA using aircraft to fight poaching |publisher=News24 |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/new-measures-to-combat-rhino-poaching-1.1435395 |title=New measures to combat rhino poaching – Crime & Courts &#124; IOL News |publisher=IOL.co.za |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28746:paramount-donates-aircraft-to-combat-rhino-poaching&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=Paramount donates aircraft to combat rhino poaching |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=2013-04-26}}</ref>


== Political views ==
⚫
==References==
Regarding the [[South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention)]], Ichikowitz criticized the South African government for hypocrisy and double standards, recalling that South Africa failed to arrest Sudanese President [[Omar al-Bashir]] during his visit to South Africa, despite Bashir being accused of [[Darfur genocide|genocide]] and wanted by the [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC), and did not condemn Russia's [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]], reluctant to comply with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ivor Ichikowitz: South Africa's genocide case against Israel is rank hypocrisy |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-south-africa-united-nations-genocide-accusations-israel-gaza-20240116-vj7o5smsdfd2vbytncfyvf7mqe-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=16 January 2024 |access-date=23 January 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123115915/https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-south-africa-united-nations-genocide-accusations-israel-gaza-20240116-vj7o5smsdfd2vbytncfyvf7mqe-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
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{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Personal life ==
Ichikowitz is married with two children.

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== References ==
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{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 51: Line 57:
*[http://www.ichikowitzfoundation.com Ichikowitz Family Foundation]
*[http://www.ichikowitzfoundation.com Ichikowitz Family Foundation]


{{Jacob Zuma}}
{{Persondata

| NAME = Ichikowitz, Ivor
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ichikowitz, Ivor}}
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = South African businessman
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1966
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:South African businesspeople]]
[[Category:South African businesspeople]]
[[Category:South African Jews]]

Latest revision as of 15:09, 11 April 2024

Ivor Ichikowitz
Ivor Ichikowitz
Born
Springs, Gauteng, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Alma materUniversity of the Witwatersrand
Occupation(s)Business Executive and Philanthropist
Known forFounder and former executive chairman of Paramount Group, Ichikowitz Family Foundation
Websitehttp://www.ivorichikowitz.com/profile

Ivor Ichikowitz (born September 1966) is a South African businessman, founder and former executive chairman of Paramount Group.[1][2][3][4] He is also an executive chairman of TransAfrica Capital[5] and the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.[6]

Early life and education

[edit]

Ichikowitz was born in the mining town of Springs, South Africa, where he experienced first-hand 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 the 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

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During the past twenty years, Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses including defence and aerospace,[10] 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][11][12] The group operates in countries in the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as in India.[13] It manufactures a range of armoured vehicles[14][15] and deals in surplus South African military equipment,[16] including fighter aircraft.[17]

In 2011 the Paramount Group launched the Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft, due to take its first flight in 2013.[18][19][needs update]

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

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Ichikowitz has been criticised for being a "close ally" of the ruling African National Congress (ANC),[20] and for providing President Jacob Zuma with an aircraft to use for an ANC fundraising and business trip to Lebanon and Kazakhstan.[21][22] 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.[23] The official presidential aircraft, operated by the South African Air Force, was not available for the flight.[24][25][26]

Ichikowitz has also been criticised for his involvement in the controversial Oil-for-Food Programme in the aftermath of the Gulf War.[27]

During September 2020 Ichikowitz and his company Paramount were listed in the FinCEN Files for various SAR (Suspicious Activety Reports) by the US Dept of Treasury for suspicious and corrupt transactions including possible money laundering exceeding $250m. [28]

Philanthropic interests

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Ichikowitz is the founder of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, established in 2010. The Foundation is actively involved in wildlife conservation of endangered species, especially the protection of Africa's rhinos and elephant population.[29][30][31][32]

Political views

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Regarding the South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention), Ichikowitz criticized the South African government for hypocrisy and double standards, recalling that South Africa failed to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during his visit to South Africa, despite Bashir being accused of genocide and wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and did not condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reluctant to comply with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.[33]

Personal life

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Ichikowitz is married with two children.

References

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  1. ^ Minto, Rob (17 August 2012). "Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft". Financial Times. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  2. ^ "Paramount Chairman, Ivor Ichikowitz, calls for leadership in innovation". Defence Web. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  3. ^ "African Aerospace – Paramount Group inspires next generation of African engineers". Africanaerospace.aero. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  4. ^ The African Business Journal p.30-40. March 2013. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ "transafricacapital.com".
  6. ^ "SouthAfrica.info".
  7. ^ a b c d e Tilley, Les (September 2012). "The Can-Do Man of Action". Forbes. p. 54.
  8. ^ Duval Smith, Alex. "Arms and the Man". Monocle.
  9. ^ a b Kidd, Kenneth (4 December 2011). "South Africa's unlikely ally". Toronto Star. p. 9.
  10. ^ "Ivor Ichikowitz, the worldwide connections of the South African arms magnate". intelligenceonline.com. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  11. ^ Diana Magnay, CNN. "South Africa's booming defense industry". CNN. Retrieved 26 April 2013. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  12. ^ "SA's defence industry ties growing apace". FM. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  13. ^ "Paramount Group enters into joint venture with International Golden Group". Strategic Defence Intelligence. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  14. ^ "The Marauder, part 1 (Series 17, Episode 1) – BBC Top Gear". Topgear.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  15. ^ "AAD 2012: Paramount launches new vehicle variant – News – Shephard". Shephardmedia.com. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  16. ^ "South Africa has sold R4.8 billion worth of weaponry this year". DefenceWeb. 10 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  17. ^ "Paramount confirms Mirage F1AZs delivered to Congo-Brazzaville, eyes future customers". DefenceWeb. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  18. ^ "Corporate watch: Paramount Group takes off with new aircraft | beyondbrics". Blogs.ft.com. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  19. ^ Mantshantsha, Sikonathi (17 September 2012). "Paramount to Fly Africa's Latest Military Plane Next Year". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  20. ^ Stephan Hofstatter, Rob Rose And Mzilikazi Wa Afrika. "Arms and the man who would be king". Times LIVE. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  21. ^ "Ivor the invincible". City Press. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  22. ^ "Crony capitalists on JZ's coat-tails | News | National | Mail & Guardian". Mg.co.za. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  23. ^ "DA wants answers on Zuma's US trip – The Star". IOL.co.za. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  24. ^ "Eyewitness News: Zuma's R6.3m US flight". Ewn.co.za. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  25. ^ "Eyewitness News: More questions raised over Zuma's hired jet". Ewn.co.za. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  26. ^ "Zuma flies "Air Ichikowitz"". DefenceWeb. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  27. ^ "The arms dealer who flies Zuma". sareporter.com. 13 March 2009. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  28. ^ "FinCEN Files Ivor Ichikowitz". icig.org. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  29. ^ "ichikowitzfoundation.com".
  30. ^ "SA using aircraft to fight poaching". News24. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  31. ^ "New measures to combat rhino poaching – Crime & Courts | IOL News". IOL.co.za. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  32. ^ "Paramount donates aircraft to combat rhino poaching". DefenceWeb. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  33. ^ "Ivor Ichikowitz: South Africa's genocide case against Israel is rank hypocrisy". Chicago Tribune. 16 January 2024. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
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