Ivan Saltzman, founder of Dis-Chem, announces retirement from executive role in 2026

Dis-Chem Pharmacies  has announced that its founder Ivan Saltzman, will retire as an executive director on June 30, 2026 after 48 years of dedicated service to the company.

He will remain on the board as non-executive Deputy Chair.

Dis-Chem said in a statement on the weekend that Saltzman has been at the heart of Dis-Chem since its inception in 1978, playing a central role in transforming the company from its early beginnings as a family business into the leading pharmacy and healthcare organisation it is today. His visionary leadership, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in guiding the company through decades of growth, innovation, and success.

During his tenure, he saw major expansions and store rollouts, product innovations, regional diversification, and the company’s successful 2016 listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, helping to establish Dis-Chem as a trusted name in retail and healthcare.

Dis-Chem, with a market capitalisation of R30 billion, has a footprint of 285 pharmacy stores and 45 Baby City outlets. 

Dis-Chem chairman Larry Nestadt said, “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.  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. 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 the Board, capitalising on his industry knowledge, historical context and strategic vision to provide guidance, advisory and continuity as Dis-Chem continues its next phase of growth as  South Africa’s health authority.

Rui Morais, Dis-Chem CEO said, “Ivan 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 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. It has been an absolute privilege to share a part of my career with Ivan, who will forever be the face and heartbeat of South African retail pharmacy.”

"The Board and employees of Dis-Chem extend their sincere appreciation to Saltzman for his outstanding leadership, vision, and more than four decades of service," said Dis-Chem.

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