The Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated the net worth of Nicholas Frank Oppenheimer at 12.3 billion US dollars as of 2025. This valuation ranks the Johannesburg-born businessman as the third wealthiest individual on the African continent, following a career that saw him steer the operations of major diamond mining and trading entities through significant corporate transitions.
Early Education and Professional Beginnings
Born on 8 June 1945, Nicholas Oppenheimer attended Ludgrove School and Harrow School before enrolling at Christ Church, Oxford. He studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, ultimately earning an Oxford MA. In 1968, he began his professional path at Anglo American, the mining corporation founded by his grandfather, Ernest Oppenheimer. He progressed to a director position in 1974, eventually assuming the role of deputy chairman in 1983. He remained associated with Anglo American as a non-executive director until 2011.
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Oppenheimer moved into the leadership structure of the global diamond industry in the mid-1980s. He served as deputy chairman of the Central Selling Organisation, now known as the Diamond Trading Company, starting in 1984. By 1985, he held the deputy chairmanship of De Beers Consolidated Mines and the chairmanship of the Diamond Trading Company. He led the De Beers Group as chairman from 1998 until his retirement in 2012, a tenure that concluded when the Oppenheimer family stake in the company was sold to Anglo American.
Philanthropic and Public Commitments
In 2005, Oppenheimer and his son, Jonathan Oppenheimer, founded the Brenthurst Foundation to engage in policy debates regarding African economic development. The family also established the Diamond Route in 2006 in partnership with De Beers. This project coordinates conservation and research efforts across eight sites, including Tswalu in the Kalahari, Brenthurst Gardens in Johannesburg, and the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve. In 2015, he became a Rhodes Trustee. His public recognitions include an honorary doctorate from Technikon Witwatersrand in 2003, the Presidential Order of Honour from Botswana in 2004, and an honorary fellowship from the London Business School in 2009.
Personal and Family Life
Oppenheimer married Orcillia Lasch in 1968. The couple belongs to the Anglican faith. His father, Harry Oppenheimer, was the son of Anglo American founder Ernest Oppenheimer. Outside of his corporate responsibilities, he co-authored the book Waltham Place: and its Surrounding Parish, published in 2001.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 June 1945, Johannesburg
- Education: Harrow School; Christ Church, Oxford
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Primary Affiliations: Anglo American; De Beers; Diamond Trading Company
- Spouse: Orcillia Lasch
- Philanthropic Initiatives: Brenthurst Foundation; Diamond Route
- Notable Recognition: Presidential Order of Honour, Botswana (2004)
- Religion: Anglicanism
Questions readers ask
What is the Diamond Route?
It is a network of eight conservation sites across South Africa established by the Oppenheimer family and De Beers in 2006 to promote environmental research and awareness.
When did Nicky Oppenheimer retire from De Beers?
He retired as chairman of the De Beers Group in 2012 when the family sold its stake in the company to Anglo American.
Achievements
- Affiliated with De Beers and Diamond Trading Company
- Educated at Harrow School and Christ Church
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