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Raymond Ackerman reveals his recipe for success  Comments

Son to take over from PnP boss
October 21, 2009

By MURRAY WILLIAMS Staff Writer


Tycoon Raymond Ackerman has announced that he is to retire at the end of this financial year, and has named his son Gareth as his successor.

Ackerman, chairman of Pick n Pay supermarket chain, spoke exclusively to the Cape Argus today about his reasons for retiring.

"Number one, next year I'm going into my 80th year. Number two, my advisers say you must do it when you're fit and well, and not hand over when you're ill. And third, I've been trying my level best to plan my succession for a long time. Although the recession is not helping anyone, I feel very strongly that Pick n Pay is well positioned in its strategy.

"The recession's going to change and the time is right for me to go now."

Ackerman, who turns 79 in March, said of his successor: "I have family in place. We're unashamedly a family business, and Gareth is to become chairman. He's going to be an excellent successor to me."

But Ackerman said he wouldn't leave altogether.

"This has been very clearly planned, and the company wants me to continue as an ambassador. I will give speeches inside the company, get around and talk to our people, talk to our customers.

"But I don't want to get into the hair of my CEO, Nick (Badminton) or Gareth. I'm not going to interfere."

His wife, Wendy, will also continue with her role in the company, such as its social investment and educational programmes.


Reflecting on his career, Ackerman said: "It's been a wonderful time - the past 42 years have been wonderful."

Asked if he was at all tired, he said: "A little bit. We now have operations in nine African countries, and there is always some crisis. It's like being on duty 24/7.

"I'm looking forward to playing a bit more golf - I've always loved golf - and travelling with my wife. We're going to go away immediately for a couple of months when I retire, so these guys (will have to ) find their feet immediately."

Asked about the recipe for his success, he said: "I was once told that the aim of any retailer is to 'maximise consumer sovereignty'.

"If you go out and say: 'I want to make money', then you won't.

"Instead, you have to have a passion to fight like mad for your consumer - in much the same way that a doctor would fight like mad for his patient.

"I've had a passion to do something worthwhile with one's life.

"In the 1960s and '70s my friends were all leaving South Africa. My wife and I decided to stay. And I believe the problems we're facing now are far less than (then). I have all my family here, and I hope they all stay here.

"We have a lot of problems, but that simply means that we'll have to find a lot of solutions."
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Showing page 1 of 2 comment pages, 18 total comments
15 Weeks ago Super Duper wrote :
Well Done Raymond..you've milked the consumer and they didn't even know it...LOL...you have succeeded..!!
15 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
You know why he is super rich! Because your average South African is super stupid. Or more accurately put un-educated. SA is brand driven guys and girls. Wake up. That’s how this dude has made his bucks. You have been shafted and you take it with a smile and best wishes to boot. To prove my point. Go and check out the prices of pick and pay no name brands. Almost always they are more expensive. Why is that?
15 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
WOW! Great SA Entreprenuer settles down, this inspires our generation to persevere- we can and will make it!
15 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
Thank you for not leaving the country when your friends chose to, thank you for contributing towards employment and economic development of the entire country, and thank you for your positive attitute. i personally think that you deserve the order of Maphungubje or something along those lines.It would be nice if you were to encourage other white people with skills such as yours to stay in the country and contribute towards its development.Enjoy your retirement.
15 Weeks ago Apple wrote :
As an ex Pick 'n Pay employer Raymond gave me the hope to continue and grow as a person best of luck sir
15 Weeks ago Peter Marais (Tokai) wrote :
I wish Senior Government would take a leaf....sorry the whole book and LEARN from Mr A. (We can all HOPE and PRAY) Enjoy your retirement.
15 Weeks ago in Commerce wrote :
Oh for 100 more people from all race groups with the entrepreneurial flair of a Raymond Ackerman. That would help put the country's economic disparities behind us.
15 Weeks ago Phila wrote :
Im touched by this article.So much wish God can grant Mr Ray many more years so that he can enjoy his retirement
15 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
They do not make businessmen like you anynore. Your wrtings and so remind me of my late father.
15 Weeks ago Pieter wrote :
I had the honor to have lunch with him a year ago and must say that he is the most amazing person I have ever met, had such a wealth of information and wasnt afraid to share it with others. Mr Ackerman I dont think we will ever see the likes of you again
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