Johann Rupert facts for kids

Johann Peter Rupert, born on June 1, 1950, is a well-known South African businessman. He is the oldest son of famous business leader Anton Rupert. Johann Rupert leads two big companies: Richemont, which sells luxury items around the world, and Remgro, based in South Africa.

He used to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Compagnie Financiere Richemont. Johann Rupert and his family are among the wealthiest people in South Africa.

About Johann Rupert

Johann Rupert grew up in Stellenbosch, a town in South Africa. He went to Paul Roos Gymnasium and then studied economics and company law at the University of Stellenbosch. He left university early to start his business career. However, in 2004, the university gave him an honorary doctorate in economics. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.

In 2008, he also received an honorary doctorate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Johann Rupert is known for being quite private. He rarely gives interviews and prefers to stay out of public events. Some people call him "Rupert the Bear." He has also shared his support for the idea of a universal basic income. This is a system where everyone would receive a regular payment from the government.

His Business Journey

Johann Rupert started his business training in New York City. He worked for Chase Manhattan for two years. After that, he worked for Lazard Freres for three years. He then returned to South Africa in 1979. There, he started Rand Merchant Bank and became its CEO.

• 1984: He combined Rand Merchant Bank with Rand Consolidated Investments. This created a new company called RMB Holdings. He then left to join his father's company, the Rembrandt Group.
• 1988: He founded Compagnie Financiere Richemont. He also became a Non-Executive Director of Rothmans International plc.
• 1989: He was made Vice Chairman of the Rembrandt Group.
• 1990: He created Vendôme Luxury Group SA, which was a part of Richemont.
• 1991: He became Chairman of Rembrandt Group Limited.
• 1997: He was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Gold Fields South Africa Ltd.
• 2000: He reorganized Rembrandt Group Limited. This led to the creation of Remgro Limited and VenFin Limited. He also became Chairman and Chief Executive of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA.

In May 2025, Johann Rupert was part of a group from South Africa. This group went with President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House. They met with United States President Donald Trump. The meeting included South African politicians, businesspeople, and athletes. It was set up to improve relations between South Africa and the U.S. The South African government generally saw the meeting as a success.

Other Interests and Hobbies

Johann Rupert used to play cricket. In 1990, he started the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. This foundation supports 65 projects around the world. Its goal is to use sports to help solve social problems. It especially focuses on children who are not as lucky.

He also helped create the Sports Science Institute. He did this with his friends Morne du Plessis and Tim Noakes. Johann Rupert also developed the Leopard Creek Golf Club in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This golf course was designed by Gary Player. It is one of South Africa's best golf courses. He has also played in the annual Gary Player Invitational golf tournament. This helps Gary Player raise money for different children's charities.

Johann Rupert is the Chairman of the South African PGA Tour. He is also the Chairman of the South African Golf Development Board. In 2007, he was added to the South African Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009, he was inducted into the South African Golf Hall of Fame.

Rugby and Wine

In 2008, Rupert's company, Remgro, bought half of the English Premiership Rugby club Saracens. Saracens won three premiership titles and two Champions Cups. In 2018, Rupert sold his share to the club's chairman, Nigel Wray.

After his younger brother Anthonij passed away in 2001, Johann Rupert took over the L'Ormarins wine estate. Anthonij had been in charge of Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. Johann started a project to improve the farm. He did this to honor his late brother.

He was also a council member of the South Africa Foundation. He was a trustee for several organizations. These included the Southern African Nature Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. He also served on the Daimler Chrysler International Advisory Board.

Like his father Anton, Johann Rupert cares a lot about protecting nature. He helps protect about 25,000 hectares of land in the Graaff Reinet area. He is also the chairman of the Peace Parks Foundation. This foundation works to create large areas where wildlife can roam freely across country borders.

Important Public Appearances

In May 2025, Johann Rupert was part of the South African group that went to the White House. They went with President Cyril Ramaphosa to meet with Donald Trump. This meeting was set up to improve relations between South Africa and the U.S. These relations had become difficult. During the meeting, Trump talked about crime in South Africa. Rupert explained that there are many deaths in South Africa, and it affects everyone, not just one group.

Awards and Recognition

Johann Rupert has received many awards and honors for his work:

• 1988: Named "Businessman of the Year" by the Sunday Times.
• 1990: Named business leader of the year by Die Burger newspaper and the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce.
• 1992: Named one of 200 "Global Leaders of Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
• 1993: Received the M.S. Louw Award from the A.H.I. ("Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut").
• 1996: Named Sunday Times Business Times's Businessman of the Year for the second time.
• 1999: Received the 1999 Free Market Award from The Free Market Foundation of South Africa.
• 2000: Voted "Most influential Business Leader" in South Africa by CEOs of the top 100 listed companies.
• 2004: Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Economics by the University of Stellenbosch.
• 2008: Voted South Africa's Business Leader of the Year by the CEOs of the Top 100 Companies, for the third time.
• 2009: Appointed "Officier" of the French "Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur" by the President of France.
• 2009: Selected as the International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year at an awards ceremony in Germany.
• 2009: Appointed Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.
• 2010: Made Honorary Vice President of the European Golf Tour.
• 2010: Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of St Andrews, Scotland.

See also

In Spanish: Johann Rupert para niños