South African financial services firm Allan Gray Investment Management has announced the death of its founder Allan Gray.
In a statement, the firm said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Allan William Buchanan Gray on 10 November 2019, of natural causes.
“Our first thoughts are with his family, and with them, as colleagues and friends, we are mourning the passing of a man who made an immeasurable impact on many lives as an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.”
He passed away after having a heart attack in Bermuda, where he lived, at the age of 81.
Philanthropic contribution
“We at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation feel a deep sense of loss at the passing of Allan, our founder, and wish his family comfort and peace at this difficult time,” said chairman of the board Njabulo Ndebele.
“The business relationship and personal friendship we shared with him have been a source of enrichment and learning for us all. We shall miss his visionary guidance and quiet leadership greatly,”
Yogavelli Nambiar, chief executive of the Orbis, added: “While the foundation mourns his loss, we can be comforted knowing that his vision has secured a future for over a thousand individuals and helped reach thousands more through various entrepreneurship initiatives, research and educator support.
“The onus now rests with us to continue to carry his vision forward, creating a world where young entrepreneurs create lasting social change within their communities across South Africa. Allan’s spirit of significance and humility will live on in the Foundation and the many young people supported by it.”
Gray founded Allan Gray Investment Management in 1989, and was involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives through the Allan and Gill Gray Charitable Trust (created in 1979) and the Allan Gray Foundation (set up in 2005 and now known as the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation).
