
Rob Hersov
Robert Hersov is a South African-British entrepreneur and private investor based in Cape Town, following more than 30 years in the United States, Europe, and primarily the United Kingdom.
Hersov’s grandfather, Bob Hersov, founded AngloVaal, one of Southern Africa’s largest mining and industrial companies, which his father, Basil Hersov, led from 1973 to 2001.
Rob began his career at Goldman Sachs in New York before serving as Rupert Murdoch’s chief of staff at News Corp. He later sat on the main board of Richemont, was CEO of Telepiù (Milan), and founded Marquis Jet Europe, which he successfully sold to Berkshire Hathaway. In 2020, he co-founded RSA.aero, an aviation business that acquired Cape Winelands Airport and Gariep Airport. He also co-founded Norrsken22, a $220 million Africa technology growth fund, but was forced out by leftist DFIs due to his outspoken political views. Additionally, he is the co-founder of LYRA, an AI sales company, and BitMach, a Bitcoin mining enterprise. His other ventures include Africa Padel, South Africa’s largest padel company, and Pacific Padel in New Zealand, among other international businesses.
Hersov holds a Bachelor of Business Science from the University of Cape Town (1979–1982) and an MBA from Harvard Business School (class of 1989). He also served as an infantry officer in the South African Defence Force (1983–1984).
In recent years, he has been a vocal critic of corruption and what he describes as the inept, kleptocratic, racist, and antisemitic ANC government. He has also called out South Africa’s corporate sector for its silence in the face of destructive socialist policies. His outspoken stance has earned him a large public following, particularly for his now-famous declaration: "Voetsek ANC." He remains one of the few South African voices speaking truth to power.
Hersov is married to Dr. Kate Hersov, and they have four children.