Jump to content

Ivor Ichikowitz: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
DGG (talk | contribs)
316,874 edits
restored relevant sentence about his company's activities
DGG (talk | contribs)
316,874 edits
m →Career: ty
Line 30: Line 30:
During the past twenty years, Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses including [[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 including [[defence industry|defence]] and [[aerospace]], 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=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> he 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
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=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> he 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 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 |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>{{Update inline|reason=First flight date?|date=February 2015}}
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 |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>{{Update inline|reason=First flight date?|date=February 2015}}

Revision as of 17:54, 11 August 2016

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

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

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.[7][8]

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.[9] His father, Louis, imported Suzuki motorcycles, setting the foundation on which Ichikowitz would later build his own company.[9][10]

Ichikowitz studied drama at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.[11] During his time at university he became involved with protest theatre, before travelling throughout Africa and studying African literature.[11]

Career

During the past twenty years, Ichikowitz has developed a number of businesses including defence and aerospace, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and sustainable development, property, retail and tourism.[9]

Ichikowitz founded the Paramount Group in 1994, to operate in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries.[9][12][13] he group 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]

Paramount Group operates in countries in the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as in India.[20]

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.[9]

In 2015 Ichikowitz was named as one of Africa’s 100 most influential people by New African, the world’s largest pan-African magazine.[21] He was listed as one of the most influential Africans in business and economics.

Controversy

Ichikowitz has been criticised for being a "close ally" of the ruling African National Congress (ANC),[22] and for providing President Jacob Zuma with an aircraft to use for an ANC fundraising and business trip to Lebanon and Kazakhstan.[23][24] 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.[25] The official presidential aircraft, operated by the South African Air Force, was not available for the flight.[26][27][28]

Ichikowitz has also been criticised for his involvement in the controversial Oil-for-Food Programme in the aftermath of the Gulf War.[29]

Philanthropic interests

Ichikowitz is the founder of a philanthropic organisation called the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, established in 2010.[30] 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.[31][32] The Foundation is actively involved in wildlife conservation of endangered species, especially the protection of Africa's rhinos and elephant population.[33]

Personal life

Ichikowitz is married with two children.

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. ^ "transafricacapital.com".
  6. ^ "SouthAfrica.info".
  7. ^ "Ivor Ichikowitz – Executive Chairman, Paramount Group". ABN Digital. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  8. ^ "Lessons for SA in growth elsewhere in Africa | Opinion & Analysis". BDlive. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d e Tilley, Les (September 2012). "The Can-Do Man of Action". Forbes p.54.
  10. ^ Duval Smith, Alex. "Arms and the Man". Monocle.
  11. ^ a b Kidd, Kenneth (4 December 2011). "South Africa's unlikely ally". Toronto Star. p. 9.
  12. ^ 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)
  13. ^ "SA's defence industry ties growing apace". FM. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  14. ^ "The Marauder, part 1 (Series 17, Episode 1) – BBC Top Gear". Topgear.com. 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. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  20. ^ "Paramount Group enters into joint venture with International Golden Group". Strategic Defence Intelligence. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  21. ^ "Newsbeat Portal".
  22. ^ Stephan Hofstatter, Rob Rose And Mzilikazi Wa Afrika. "Arms and the man who would be king". Times LIVE. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  23. ^ "Ivor the invincible". City Press. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  24. ^ "Crony capitalists on JZ's coat-tails | News | National | Mail & Guardian". Mg.co.za. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  25. ^ "DA wants answers on Zuma's US trip – The Star". IOL.co.za. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  26. ^ "Eyewitness News: Zuma's R6.3m US flight". Ewn.co.za. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  27. ^ "Eyewitness News: More questions raised over Zuma's hired jet". Ewn.co.za. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  28. ^ "Zuma flies "Air Ichikowitz"". DefenceWeb. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  29. ^ "The arms dealer who flies Zuma". sareporter.com. 13 March 2009. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  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. ^ "ichikowitzfoundation.com".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Ivor_Ichikowitz&oldid=734031848"