Business
Dis-Chem’s Next Chapter: Founder Ivan Saltzman Hands Over the Reins
A South African success story evolves
Walk into any shopping centre in South Africa, and chances are you will spot those familiar green letters that so many of us associate with convenience, health, and even beauty treatments. Dis-Chem has become part of our weekly rhythm, but few pause to think about the family behind it all.
That story is entering a new chapter. Founder Ivan Saltzman, now 75, will step down as an executive director in June 2026. It feels like the end of an era for a company that began in 1978 as a small family venture built by Ivan and his wife, Lynette. More than four decades later, it stands proudly as one of the country’s leading pharmacy and healthcare retailers.
Leadership that changed an industry
Ivan led Dis-Chem through incredible milestones. From rolling out new stores to building regional reach, from expanding healthcare offerings to ringing the bell on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2016, his imprint is everywhere. The business grew not only in size but also in reputation, reshaping how South Africans shop for health products, medication, and beauty brands.
Company leaders describe him as a driving force. A visionary who did not simply run a pharmacy chain but transformed the retail pharmacy landscape. It is no surprise that his legacy is tied to millions of customers whose lives his work has touched.
Still part of the journey
Stepping back does not mean stepping away. Ivan will continue as Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman. The leadership team sees this as a win. His experience will still guide the business, just from a more strategic seat rather than the daily grind he shouldered for decades.
Ivan says the shift feels right. With a strong leadership team already in place, he can support the next chapter while letting others steer.
A family transition
The Saltzman family has been central to Dis-Chem’s identity since its earliest days, and they remain close to its future. Lynette left her executive director role in 2022 to focus on growing the beauty category behind the scenes. Their son Saul will step back from his executive position in February 2026, but like his father, he will stay on the board.
A noteworthy change happened in June 2025 when brothers Dan and Mark inherited large shareholdings previously held by the family investment vehicle. While share distribution has shifted, the retailer reassures that the heart of the business remains firmly family-owned at its core.
What this means for South Africa’s favourite pharmacy
This moment is more than a retirement announcement. It symbolises how a homegrown brand evolves while staying rooted in its original purpose. Dis-Chem has become trusted by South Africans for everything from vaccinations to vitamins. It has built jobs, grown local supply networks, and remained competitive in an industry where loyalty is hard-earned.
As the company continues its mission to position itself as the nation’s leading health authority, the presence of Ivan and his family within the leadership fabric still matters. South Africans appreciate brands that feel personal, and Dis-Chem’s story is one that many have grown up with.
The shelves will stay stocked. The green logo will stay glowing. The Saltzman legacy will simply watch from a slightly wider view as a new generation continues the work they started.
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Daily Investor
