CEO of one of South Africa’s biggest car dealership empires passes away

Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) has announced that its CEO of 27 years, Jebb McIntosh, has passed away.

McIntosh has been a member of CMH’s board since 1976 and was considered an automotive titan in the local motor industry.

On Tuesday, 3 November, CMH announced that McIntosh passed away on Monday, 2 November. He was 80 years old.

“For those in the motor industry, Jebb and CMH were synonymous. He dedicated his life to building CMH, and served on the board from 1976,” the company said. 

“His knowledge of the motor industry was second to none, and he was deeply respected by all stakeholders.” 

“His valuable guidance and input will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of working with him.”

McIntosh was a chartered accountant and one of the co-founders of what would one day become CMH.

In 1976, he and his business partner Maldwyn Zimmerman opened small Chevrolet and Datsun dealerships in KwaZulu-Natal.

From there, more dealerships were opened, and they eventually merged into CMH. Today, it boasts a network of 102 car dealerships across South Africa.

McIntosh has led the company through most of its growth, also playing a critical role in CMH’s expansion into the car rental industry through the acquisition of First Car Rental.

Over the past few years, McIntosh was also tasked with successfully pivoting the group to embrace the growing popularity of Chinese and Indian car brands.

“Up until the moment that he passed, Jebb was having a typical day in the office, directing the activities of his beloved CMH,” board chair James Dixon said.

“He has left an enduring legacy, and his family can be proud of what he has achieved as a business icon and the longest-serving director of CMH, one of Durban’s few successful JSE-listed entities.” 

“His business acumen, attention to detail and ability to navigate complexity will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who worked alongside him.”

CMH said McIntosh is survived by his wife, Liz, and his five children, Donna, Samantha, Sarah-Lynn, Anne, and Cathy.

“The board and management team express their heartfelt condolences to Jebb’s family, friends, and colleagues on this profound loss,” the company said.