The man in line to inherit Johann Rupert’s billions lands a new job

Business Jonathan Hoyle 9 Sep 2026BusinessThe man in line to inherit Johann Rupert’s billions lands a new job Jonathan Hoyle  ·9 Sep 2026Billionaire Johann Rupert’s son, Anton Rupert, has been appointed non-executive co-deputy chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont (Richemont).Richemont is a Swiss company with a portfolio of high-end brands across several luxury categories, such as jewellery and watches.While the company’s primary listing is in Switzerland, it has a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).The company was founded by Johann Rupert, a South African businessman and one of the country’s few dollar billionaires. He is the richest man in the country, according to Forbes.On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, Richemont said it had appointed Anton Rupert to a non-executive role in the company.“Richemont is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Anton Rupert as Non-executive Co-Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, with immediate effect,” it said.“He will serve alongside Mr Bram Schot, who was appointed Non-executive Deputy Chairman in 2024 and who will continue in his role as Non-executive Co-Deputy Chairman.”Anton Rupert has served as a non-executive director of Richemont since 2017, along with several other executive positions in companies such as Remgro and Watchfinder.co.uk.“He has knowledge of and insight into tech start-ups and has had extensive exposure to all of the Group’s businesses,” Richemont said.“He brings valuable insight into changing consumer behaviour in digital marketing and web-based commerce.”Richemont’s two non-executive co-deputy chairmen will serve alongside each other, working on complementary remits.Anton Rupert will handle the company’s strategic product and communications committee, “ensuring continuity in an area of central importance to the Group’s creative and commercial direction.”Schot will oversee the governance of the company’s board and committee-related matters, including the coordination of its corporate governance framework.Richemont said this division would reflect “the Board’s commitment to robust governance and to ensuring that both the Group’s strategic priorities and its governance obligations receive dedicated attention at Non-executive Co-Deputy Chairman level.”Richemont chairman Johann Rupert said the appointment was an important step in the company’s long-term succession planning.He discussed this succession plan in a 2022 interview, but has been cagey about the details. However, it is now taking shape.“Richemont’s strength has always rested on the continuity that comes from close family involvement, on rigorous governance, and on an unwavering commitment to creativity and craftsmanship,” he said.“Having Anton and Bram serve together as Non-executive Co-Deputy Chairmen ensures that each of these foundations is given the attention it deserves”.“Together they reflect what has always guided this Group – a long-term view, a respect for the people and savoir-faire behind our Maisons, and the discipline to steward them responsibly for the generations to come.”SubscribeShow commentsAutoload commentsRead the full article at BusinessTech SA