Harry Frederick Oppenheimer facts for kids
Harry Frederick Oppenheimer (born October 28, 1908 – died August 19, 2000) was a very important businessman from South Africa. He was known for leading two big companies: Anglo American Corporation and De Beers Consolidated Mines. He was the chairman of Anglo American for 25 years and De Beers for 27 years. Harry Oppenheimer was also a close friend of South African President Nelson Mandela.
Early Life and Education
Harry Oppenheimer was born in Kimberley, a city in Northern Cape, South Africa. He grew up in Johannesburg. For his schooling, he went to Charterhouse School and later studied at Oxford University in England.
Leading Big Companies
Harry Oppenheimer took over leadership roles from his father. He became the chairman of Anglo American Corporation, a huge mining company, for a quarter of a century. He also led De Beers Consolidated Mines for 27 years. De Beers is famous for its diamond business. He retired from these important jobs in the early 1980s.
A Special Award
The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award is a very important research prize in Africa. It is given out every year by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust. This award remembers Harry Oppenheimer's strong belief in "unambiguous excellence." It celebrates people who do outstanding research.
Family Life
Harry Oppenheimer was married to Bridget Oppenheimer. They had two children together. Bridget passed away in 2013. Harry Oppenheimer died in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2000, when he was 92 years old.
