End of an era for Dis-Chem in South Africa

Dis-Chem has announced that its founder, Ivan Saltzman, will retire as an executive director in mid-2026 following 48 years with the retailer.

Saltzman will retire as an executive director on 30 June 2026, but will remain on the board as its non-executive deputy chair.

This comes a few years after Saltzman stepped down as Dis-Chem CEO at the end of June 2023.

Saltzman has been at the heart of Dis-Chem since its inception in 1978, having founded the company alongside his wife, Lynette.

Saltzman played a central role in transforming the company from its early beginnings as a family business into a leading pharmacy and healthcare organisation.

“His visionary leadership, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in guiding the company through decades of growth, innovation, and success,” Dis-Chem said.

During his tenure, Saltzman saw major expansions and store rollouts, product innovations, regional diversification, and the company’s successful 2016 JSE listing.

“Ivan has been a driving force in our company’s journey from day one. His unwavering dedication, foresight, and integrity have shaped the culture and values that define Dis-Chem today,” Dis-Chem chairman Larry Nestadt said.

“He is indisputably one of the retail giants of his generation who has transformed retail pharmacy, and he ranks amongst a small number of visionaries who have profoundly influenced South Africa’s retail sector.”

“Ivan’s extraordinary legacy will remain imprinted on the Dis-Chem brand, and we are fortunate that he will continue to lend his wisdom and leadership as non-executive Deputy Chairman.”

Reflecting on his retirement from executive duties, Saltzman said it has been an extraordinary privilege to help build Dis-Chem and to work alongside such talented and committed people.  

“With the progress made in building a strong leadership team, it is the right time to move to a more strategic position,” he said. 

“I conclude this chapter of my life with enormous gratitude for the opportunity to realise a dream that started with a single pharmacy in Mondeor, and which has since evolved into a group of 333 stores focused on bringing affordable, accessible healthcare to millions of South Africans.”  

“As I step back from day-to-day responsibilities, I look forward to continuing to support the company’s ongoing success as deputy chairman.”

In this role, Saltzman will continue to serve on Dis-Chem’s board as the retailer continues its next phase of growth.

Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais, who took over after Saltzman left the role, said the founder will “forever be intertwined into the fibre of the Dis-Chem brand”

“His presence remains firmly entrenched in the leadership team’s thinking, ensuring that the decisions we make honour the brand and the reason for which it exists,” he said. 

“He built a brand, shaped an industry, but most importantly, improved the lives of millions of people. It has been a privilege to work with and learn from him, and be inspired by him.” 

“As he transitions away from his executive role, he will forever be the sounding board that tests the decisions we make, reminding us that their consequences extend far beyond the boardrooms and stores in which they are made.”