Paul Ekon's Summary
Summary:
Paul Ekon is a multi-talented businessman from Johannesburg South Africa. Born in 1959 to parents of mixed Greek and Jewish decent, he was sent away to boarding school following the death of his mother. He graduated from the exclusive St. Stithians and began his military service in the regular air force of South Africa. After he completed his two years of service, he pursued his interest in photography. Working as a photographer, he joined the staff of the periodical, Paratus. To expand on his photographic skills, he moved to Los Angeles where he had the chance to learn from experts. During his time in Los Angeles, he also became familiar with the entertainment industry, and when he went back to South Africa the first businesses he opened were restaurants. He opened many entertainment, food and beverage establishments in Johannesburg, such as Hot Tin Roof, Walnut Grove and Harpers.
Consumer Products Businesses
In a shift towards the consumer products industry, Paul Ekon began to market toiletry brands that were well known in South Africa such as Hang Ten, Barbara Barnard, Jordache, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Chicco. Taking advantage of his knowledge of consumer products and marketing, he began to produce door knobs and door handles in South Africa. This business thrived until cheaper products from the Far East arrived and drove the prices down.
Coal Interests
Drawing upon his vast business experience, Paul Ekon helped negotiate and finalize Vallar Plc’s $3 billion investment in the Indonesian coal industry. By acquiring 25% of PT Bakrie & Brothers’ PT Bumi Resources as well as 75% of the shares in PT Berau Coal Energy, the fuel producer can list in the UK. The large-scale deal, scheduled to be completed in April 2011, is estimated to add up to 140 million metric tons of Indonesian coal annually within 2 years of business.
Paul Ekon left the consumer products business and invested in Management Technologies Inc, a publicly traded software company focusing on integrated trading floor applications. From 1995 to 1997 he was Chief Executive Officer for the company.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Issues
With a heart towards the poor orphans of Soweto, Paul Ekon helped build churches and halls to distribute food to hundreds of local orphans. He built four locations for the children to come and take food as well as a hall for Rhema Church, which also distributes food to the poor.
Specialties:
None