By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Robbie Venter the former CEO of South African technology group Altron and the son of South African business pioneer Bill Venter, has died at the age of 64.
In a SENS announcement on Wednesday (7 August), the group announced the Venter had passed away late on Tuesday.
“Robbie was truly a remarkable individual, steadfast in his commitment, generously sharing his wisdom and experience as a valued member of the Altron Board.
“His contributions to Altron, since 1997, were invaluable, and his presence will be greatly missed. His outstanding contributions and leadership have made a lasting impact on the technology industry and business at large,” it said.
The Altron Board takes this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the Venter family, friends and loved ones on the untimely passing of Robbie, who left an indelible mark on all who came into contact with him.”
Altron group chief executive Werner Kapp said that Venter’s impact on the group and the tehcniology industry was immeasurable, and that his contributions will continue to inspire for years to come.
“Robbie’s spirit and legacy will always be a part of Altron, “he said.
Altron chairman Stewart van Graan said: “Robbie was truly a remarkable individual – a consummate professional whose steadfast commitment to the company was matched by his generous spirit. His insights and contributions were invaluable, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.”
His insights and contributions were invaluable, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.”
Venter served as Altron’s chief executive from 2001 to 2017, when he handed over the reins to Mteto Nyati as the company transitioned away from being a family-managed business.
He was a semi-finalist at the Wimbledon Juniors in 1978 and moved to the United States that year to take up a tennis scholarship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Venter retired from tennis in 1985 and completed an MBA at UCLA.
He worked at Bear Stearns for three years before returning to South Africa in 1990, when he joined subsidiary of the JSE-listed Power Technologies, Lascon Lighting, as sales and marketing director.