Sir Ernest Oppenheimer

Mining magnate, politician, and philanthropist, born in Friedberg, WC Germany. From the age of 17 he worked for a London firm of diamond merchants and, sent out to Kimberley as their representative in 1902, soon became one of the leaders of the diamond industry. In 1917, with John Pierpont Morgan Jr, he formed the Anglo-American Corporation of South Africa, and at the time of his death his interests extended over 95% of the world's supply of diamonds. He became Mayor of Kimberley (1912–15) and an MP (1924–38). A philanthropist and public figure, he was knighted in 1921.

Sir Ernest Oppenheimer (22 May 1880 – 25 November 1957) was a diamond and gold mining entrepreneur and financier, who controlled De Beers and founded the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa.

He was born in Friedberg, Germany, the son of Edward Oppenheimer, a cigar merchant.

He died in Johannesburg in 1957, and was buried at St George's Church, Parktown.

He was succeeded in the business by his son Harry Oppenheimer.