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[[File:Ivor Ichikowitz EMCOM.png|thumb|Ivor Ichikowitz]]
[[File:Ivor Ichikowitz EMCOM.png|thumb|Ivor Ichikowitz]]
'''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=2012-11-08 |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 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>


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=2012-09-13 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</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>
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’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>
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>


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" />
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" />


==Career==
==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" />
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>{{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=2012-12-07 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref><ref name="Tilley2012" />
Ichikowitz founded [[Paramount Group]] in 1994. The company operates in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.<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><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=2012-09-18 |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=2012-09-10 |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=2011-04-21 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>
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>


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=2012-08-17 |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=2012-09-17 |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>
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>


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" />
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" />


==Controversy==
==Controversy==
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=2010-03-05 |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 |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=2011-09-21 |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=2011-09-21 |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=2009-03-13 |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 is a life-long proponent of Africa and its people, with philanthropic interests covering local community initiatives to international trade and development. Ichikowitz strongly believes in the continents potential to become a significant economic power - citing innovation as the key to future growth.<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Movers&Shakers |first= |last= |url= |magazine=African Business Journal p.30-44|date=March 2013}}</ref>
Ichikowitz is a life-long proponent of Africa and its people, with philanthropic interests covering local community initiatives to international trade and development. Ichikowitz strongly believes in the continents potential to become a significant economic power – citing innovation as the key to future growth.<ref name="Tilley2012" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Movers&Shakers |first= |last= |url= |magazine=African Business Journal p.30-44|date=March 2013}}</ref>


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=2012-12-04 |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=2012-12-04 |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=2012-12-04 |accessdate=2013-04-26}}</ref>
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>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External Links==
==External links==
*[http://www.ivorichikowitz.com/ Ivor Ichikowitz Official Website]
*[http://www.ivorichikowitz.com/ Ivor Ichikowitz Official Website]
*[http://www.ichikowitzfoundation.com Ichikowitz Family Foundation]
*[http://www.ichikowitzfoundation.com Ichikowitz Family Foundation]

Revision as of 04:33, 16 May 2013

File:Ivor Ichikowitz EMCOM.png
Ivor Ichikowitz

Ivor Ichikowitz (born 1966) is a South African businessman, founder and executive chairman of Paramount Group.[1][2][3][4]

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.[5][6]

Early life and education

Ivor Ichikowitz was born in 1966 in the mining town of Springs in South Africa where he experienced first-hand the many challenges of the country's transition.[7]

Ichikowitz's father, Louis, began importing Suzuki motorcycles, setting the foundation on which Ivor would later build his own company – Paramount Group.[7][8]

Ichikowitz studied drama at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.[9] During his time at university Ichikowitz became involved with protest theatre before travelling in 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 Paramount Group in 1994. The company operates in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.[10][11][7]

The Paramount Group manufactures a range of armoured vehicles[12][13] and deals in surplus South African military equipment,[14] including fighter aircraft.[15]

In 2011 Paramount Group launched the AHRLAC, due to take its first flight in 2013.[16][17] 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 of 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 is a life-long proponent of Africa and its people, with philanthropic interests covering local community initiatives to international trade and development. Ichikowitz strongly believes in the continents potential to become a significant economic power – citing innovation as the key to future growth.[7][27]

Ichikowitz maintains a philanthropic organisation called the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, founded in 2010.[28] 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.[29][30]

References

  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. ^ "Ivor Ichikowitz – Executive Chairman, Paramount Group". ABN Digital. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Lessons for SA in growth elsewhere in Africa | Opinion & Analysis". BDlive. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  7. ^ a b c d e f 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. ^ From  Diana Magnay, CNN. "South Africa's booming defense industry - CNN.com". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help); no-break space character in |author= at position 5 (help)
  11. ^ "SA's defence industry ties growing apace". FM. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  12. ^ "The Marauder, part 1 (Series 17, Episode 1) – BBC Top Gear". Topgear.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  13. ^ "AAD 2012: Paramount launches new vehicle variant – News – Shephard". Shephardmedia.com. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  14. ^ "South Africa has sold R4.8 billion worth of weaponry this year". DefenceWeb. 10 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  15. ^ "Paramount confirms Mirage F1AZs delivered to Congo-Brazzaville, eyes future customers". DefenceWeb. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
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