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Key Points
- Wendy Ackerman, co-founder of Pick n Pay, has been named a 2024 Hall of Femme Inductee by IWFSA for her contributions to business and society.
- Wendy Ackerman played a major yet often understated role in building Pick n Pay into one of South Africa’s largest retail chains alongside her late husband, Raymond Ackerman.
- Her recognition follows Raymond Ackerman's recent passing, highlighting their shared legacy of ethical business practices and community upliftment.
South African billionaire Wendy Ackerman, wife of the late Raymond Ackerman, founder of Pick 'n Pay, has been named a 2024 Hall of Femme Inductee by the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA). Ackerman’s contributions to business and society helped shape Pick 'n Pay into one of South Africa’s largest supermarket chains, cementing her legacy as a trailblazing businesswoman.
Ackerman’s enduring impact on business and society
Wendy Ackerman’s recognition comes just months after the passing of her husband, Raymond Ackerman, in September 2023 at the age of 92. Together, they founded Pick 'n Pay in 1967 with only four stores in Cape Town, driven by a commitment to customer-centric values, affordable pricing, and ethical business practices. Over the years, these principles helped Pick 'n Pay grow into a dominant force in South African retail.
The Hall of Femme Awards Gala, held on Oct. 31, 2024, in Johannesburg, celebrated influential women who have empowered others and advanced women’s leadership. Wendy Ackerman was honored for her pivotal role in business and her unwavering contributions to societal development.
Building Pick 'n Pay and overcoming adversity
Though often understated, Wendy Ackerman’s role in building Pick 'n Pay was vital, especially during the 1960s when she balanced raising four children with helping expand the business. In her acceptance speech, she recalled the opposition she faced as a woman in the male-dominated business world: “It wasn’t merely a glass ceiling; it was a glass cube. And I had to push my way through it.”
Her determination and resilience shaped her journey and set an inspiring example for women in business. Wendy also reflected on the personal sacrifices she made, such as leaving her children to study marketing in the U.S., a move that prepared her for a successful career alongside her husband.
Legacy of leadership and community service
Wendy Ackerman’s recognition by IWFSA is a testament to her leadership and compassion. She has long been an advocate for employee welfare, education, and community upliftment. Her initiatives at Pick 'n Pay, such as launching HIV/AIDS awareness programs, providing employee benefits, and supporting housing development in Soweto, have had a lasting impact on thousands of lives.
The Ackerman legacy continues, with Pick 'n Pay remaining a cornerstone of South African retail. Despite challenges like load shedding, the company reported a profit of R1.169 billion ($64.1 million) in 2023, with revenue rising by 8.9 percent to R106.6 billion ($5.84 billion). The Ackerman family’s significant ownership stake in Pick 'n Pay, now led by their son Gareth Ackerman, stands at 25.53 percent, valued at over $250 million.
Wendy Ackerman’s recent honor, along with her and Raymond’s lifelong commitment to ethical business practices, illustrates how one family’s vision not only transformed a company but reshaped South Africa’s retail landscape. Wendy continues to inspire through her dedication to education, employee welfare, and community development.
