Biography
Solomon “Sol” Kerzner KCMG (born 23 August 1935) is a South African business magnate, prominent accountant and respected figure in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Renowned for his visionary leadership and relentless commitment to excellence, Kerzner has founded and operated prominent hotel and resort companies, including International Sun And Kerzner International.
In addition to his incredible business acumen, Sol Kerzner is driven by a strong sense of social responsibility and a deep desire to make a positive impact. With a generous heart, he has generously donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes. Kerzner International Foundation became the foundation for his philanthropic efforts, focusing on supporting education, health care and social welfare initiatives in South Africa, Israel and the Bahamas.
Sol Kerzner’s legacy extends far beyond the boardroom. His visionary spirit and dedication to excellence have propelled him to the top, reshaping the landscape of luxury resorts and casinos. At the same time, his philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, demonstrating his belief that true success lies in making a difference in the lives of others.
South African Accountant
Sol Kerzner |
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 Sol Kerzner: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Solomon ‘Sol’ Kerzner |
| Stage name: | Sol Kerzner |
| Born: | August 23, 1935 (age 84) |
| Place of birth: | Durban, South Africa |
| Deceased: | March 21, 2020, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Education: | University of Witwatersrand |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Height: | 1.52 meters |
| Parents: | Bertha Kerzner, Morris Kerzner |
| Siblings: | Joyce Wohlman and Sylvia Kerzner |
| Couple: | Heather Murphy (married 2000–2011), Anneline Kriel (married 1980–1985) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Shirley Bestbier, Maureen Adler, Christina Estrada |
| The children: | Howard Kerzner, Brandon Kerzner, Andrea Kerzner, Chantal Kerzner, Beverly Kerzner |
| Job: | Accountant • Entrepreneur |
| Net worth: | 600 million dollars |
Early life and education
Sol Kerzner, a prominent South African business magnate and influential figure in the hotel industry, was born on August 23, 1935, in Johannesburg. Raised in a modest Jewish family, he attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg before studying accounting and law at University of Witwatersrandalthough he did not complete his degree.
Sol Kerzner’s father, Morris Kerzner, played a major role in his upbringing. He had two siblings, Joyce Wohlman and Sylvia Kerzner. In the 1960s, Kerzner entered the world of hospitality by purchasing a small hotel in Durban, South Africa. Through his shrewd business strategy and determination, he transformed the property into a thriving beachfront hotel, launching his journey into the hospitality industry.
In 1969, Sol Kerzner founded Southern Sun Hotel Groupwhich later became the largest hotel chain in South Africa. His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence took the group to great heights, cementing his reputation as an industry pioneer.
His remarkable contributions to the hospitality and leisure industry have resonated far beyond South Africa. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation have left an indelible impact on the global hotel and resort landscape, reshaping the luxury experience and capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide.
Sadly, on March 21, 2020, Sol Kerzner passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence future generations. In addition to his business ventures, he was also known for his philanthropic efforts, generously donating millions of dollars to charitable causes through his Kerzner International FoundationThe foundation supports education, health care and social welfare initiatives in South Africa, Israel and the Bahamas.
Career
Sol Kerzner, a true giant of the hospitality industry, has made an indelible mark with his remarkable projects. In the 1960s, he set the stage by establishing Southern Sun Hotel Groupan empire that grew into one of South Africa’s most respected hotel chains. But that was just the beginning of Kerzner’s extraordinary journey. In 1983, he raised the flag International Suna prestigious luxury resort and casino company that has captivated the world.
Of all his incredible achievements, none shines brighter than the jewel known as Sun City. Located near Johannesburg, this spectacular paradise has attracted visitors from all over, establishing Sol Kerzner as a creative force in the hospitality industry. His creative genius continues to flourish, creating iconic destinations such as the glamorous Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and The Palm, an architectural wonder that graces the shores of Dubai.
Sol Kerzner’s talent goes beyond bricks and mortar. He possesses a rare talent for creating immersive experiences that transcend the ordinary. From seamless integration of entertainment and games to the epitome of luxury accommodations, his attention to detail and relentless commitment to excellence have created memories that whisper of enchantment and awe.
The world has recognized his extraordinary contributions, bestowing prestigious awards upon Sol Kerzner and honoring his lasting legacy. The Gaming Hall of Fame welcomed him into its hallowed halls in 1996, and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences presented him with its esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Personal life
Sol Kerzner was married four times during his life. His first wife was Maureen Adler, with whom he had three children.
After their divorce, Sol Kerzner married his second wife, Shirley Bestbier, with whom Sol Kerzner had two children. He married his third wife, Anneline Kriel, a former Miss World, but they later divorced. His fourth wife was Christina Estrada, a former Pirelli Calendar model, whom he married in 2000. He is also married to Heather Murphy.
Sol Kerzner has five children: Howard Kerzner, Brandon Kerzner, Andrea Kerzner, Chantal Kerzner, and Beverly Kerzner.
Net worth
Sol Kerzner’s net worth is estimated at $600 million. He is a South African-born Canadian businessman who is the founder and chairman of Kerzner Internationala luxury hotel and casino company.
