Meet Paul van Zuydam, South Africa’s Newest Billionaire

South Africa has welcomed a new name into the elite circle of dollar billionaires as Paul van Zuydam, the owner and president of iconic cookware brand Le Creuset, has officially crossed the billion-dollar wealth mark

According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires Index, van Zuydam’s net worth is estimated at about $1.7 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals and making him South Africa’s newest billionaire. At 87 years old, he is also the oldest South African billionaire currently listed by Forbes Van Zuydam, a low-profile industrialist, is best known globally for owning Le Creuset, the French premium cookware manufacturer famous for its colourful enameled cast-iron pots and pans. His fortune is largely tied to the company’s long-term growth and global brand dominance in the premium kitchenware market The South African businessman acquired Le Creuset in the late 1980s, at a time when the company was facing financial and operational difficulties. Under his leadership, the brand underwent a significant turnaround. Production was consolidated and strengthened in France, while the company expanded aggressively into international markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia Today, Le Creuset is regarded as one of the most valuable and recognizable cookware brands in the world, with annual revenues estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. The company’s steady expansion, premium pricing strategy, and focus on quality manufacturing have helped it grow without heavy reliance on external debt—an approach that has significantly boosted its long-term valuation. Van Zuydam’s entry into the billionaire ranks increases South Africa’s total number of dollar billionaires to eight, alongside prominent figures such as Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, Patrice Motsepe, Koos Bekker, Michiel le Roux, Christo Wiese, and Jannie Mouton Despite his immense wealth, van Zuydam is known for maintaining a private lifestyle and has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. Reports indicate that he remains actively involved in the strategic direction of Le Creuset, even in his late eighties. His rise to billionaire status underscores South Africa’s continued relevance as a hub for high-net-worth individuals and highlights how long-term investment, brand rebuilding, and disciplined management can generate extraordinary value over decades. As global markets continue to fluctuate, van Zuydam’s success story stands out as a testament to patience, resilience, and the power of building a globally trusted consumer brand.