End of an era for 75-year-old retail giant in South Africa
Ivan Saltzman, the founder of Dis-Chem, will step down as an executive director of the company in June 2026.
75-year-old Saltzman co-founded Dis-Chem with his wife, Lynette, in 1978 and stepped down as CEO in July 2023, where then-CFO Rui Morais replaced him.
Following his resignation from the executive director role, he will continue to work as a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of the group.
Dis-Chem stated that Saltzman had played a pivotal role in growing and transforming the company from its early beginnings as a family-owned business.
The retailer is now one of the nation’s leading pharmacy and healthcare organisations.
Dis-Chem said that its visionary leadership has been instrumental in guiding Dis-Chem through decades of growth, innovation, and success.
During his tenure, he oversaw major expansions and store rollouts, regional diversification and the company’s successful listing on the JSE in 2016.
“Ivan has been a driving force in our company’s journey from day one,” said Dis-Chem Chairman Larry Nestadt.
“He is indisputably one of the retail giants of his generation who has transformed retail pharmacy.”
Nestadt said that Dis-Chem is fortunate that Saltzman will continue to lend his wisdom and leadership as Deputy Chairman.
Saltzman said that it has been an extraordinary privilege to help build Dis-Chem and work alongside 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 added.
“As I step back from day-to-day responsibilities, I look forward to continuing to support the company’s ongoing success as Deputy Chairman.”
CEO Morais noted that Saltzman will be forever intertwined with the fibre of the Dis-Chem brand, and his presence remains entrenched in the leadership team.
“He built a brand, shaped an industry, but most importantly, improved the lives of millions of people,” added Morais.
“It has been a privilege to work with, learn from, and be inspired by him.”
As Deputy Chairman, Saltzman will continue to serve on the board and provide wisdom based on his industry knowledge.
The group said his guidance will be instrumental as Dis-Chem continues its next phase of growth, becoming South Africa’s leading health authority.
Big changes for the family
The Saltzman family have seen their ownership in Dis-Chem change over the last year.
In October, it was announced that Saul Saltzman, son of Ivan and Lynette, had formally submitted his resignation as Executive Director of the company.
The change will take effect in February 2026, with Saul remaining on the Dis-Chem board as a non-independent non-executive director.
Co-founder Lynette also stepped down as executive director in 2022 to focus on an operational role within the group’s beauty category.
In June 2025, brothers Dan and Mark Saltzman, the other sons of Ivan and Lynette, inherited roughly R6.8 billion in company shares, as per a border restructuring by the founders.
Before the deal, the family investment vehicle, Ivlyn, held a stake of over 29% in the company. Following the distribution, Ivlyn’s interest decreased substantially to 4.06%.
Dan and Mark now own around 12% of the company each after having no stakes before the move.
Nevertheless, Dis-Chem said that the shares remained within the Saltzman family, maintaining the existing family ownership structure for the retailer.
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