Johann Ruppert is a South African billionaire businessman and the first son of prominent tycoon Anton Rupert and his wife, Huberte. He remains the chairman of the Swiss-based luxury goods company Richemont and Remgro.
Johann Ruppert’s Age
Johann Ruppert was born on the 1st of June 1950 in Stellenbosch, Cape Province, South Africa. He is 74 years old and typically celebrates his birthday every 1st June.
Early Life and Education
Johann Ruppert was born in Stellenbosch, Cape Province, and grew up with his parents. He attended Paul Roos Gymnasium and the University of Stellenbosch while studying Economics and Company Law.
Later, Johann Ruppert dropped out of the university to pursue a business career. Despite his departure in 2004, the university awarded him an honorary doctorate in Economics.
In 2008, Johann Ruppert was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Career
Johann Ruppert served his business apprenticeship in New York City. He worked for Chase Manhattan and Lizard Freres for a combined five years.
In 1979, after completing his apprenticeship, Johann Ruppert returned to South Africa and formed Rand Merchant Bank as the CEO.
In 1984, Rand Merchant Bank (RMD) and Rand Consolidated Investment merged to form RMB Holdings. During this period, Johann Ruppert joined his father’s company, the Rembrandt Group, while leaving his formed initial company.
In 1988, he founded Compagnie Financiere Richemont and was appointed as the non-executive director of Rothmans International PLC.
Following his level of commitment and hard work, he was named the “Businessman of The Year” by the Sunday Times in the same year.
In 1989, Johann Ruppert was appointed as the vice chairman of the Rembrandt Group, which belonged to his father, Anton Ruppert. He remained working tirelessly for the progress of the business.
In 1990, Johann Ruppert’s effort was recognized by Die Burger newspaper, and the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce named him the “Business Leader of the Year.”
At the same time, he established a subsidiary company for Richemont known as Vendome Luxury Group South Africa.
In 1991, Johann Ruppert was appointed the chairman of Rembrandt Group Limited and issued more responsibilities.
A year later, he was named one of the 200 “Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Johann Rupert remains one of the well-recognized individuals in South Africa, and in 1993, he received the M.S. Louw Award from the A.H.I (“Afrikaanse Handelsinsinstituut”).
In 1996, Johann Ruppert was named the Businessman of The Year for a second time by the Sunday Times Business.
A year later, he was appointed as the non-executive chairman of Gold Fields South Africa Ltd.
In 1999, Johann Ruppert was awarded the 1999 Free Market Award by the Free Market Foundation of South Africa.
Following the forming of Remgro Limited and VenFin Limited, Rembrandt Group Limited was restructured.
Johann Ruppert was appointed chairman and chief executive of Compagnie Financiére Richemont South Africa.
During that period, he was voted the ‘Most Influential Business Leader” in South Africa by CEOs of over 100 highly rated and listed companies.
In 2008, Johann Ruppert was voted as South Africa’s Business Leader of The Year by the CEOs for the third time.
In 2009, he was appointed as an “Officier” of the French “Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur by the President of The French Republic.
He was further selected as the 2009 International Wine Entrepreneur of The Year at the Meininger Awards ceremony in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Still, in 2009, Johann Ruppert was appointed Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. A year later, he was made Honorary vice-president of the European Golf Tour and awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
Other Interests
Johann Ruppert is one of the businessmen in South Africa who has numerous investments. In 1990, he formed the Laureuss Sport for Good Foundation.
Johann Ruppert co-formed Sports Science Institute with friends Tim Noakes and Morne du Plessis.
In 2008, he bought a 50% stake in Premiership Rugby Club, Saracens, through his Remgro Company.
Family
Johann Ruppert is married to Gaynor Rupert, and together, they have three children.
Net Worth
Johann Ruppert has an estimated net worth of $12.6 billion.