Passing of Naspers Executive - Internet

It is with great sadness that Naspers announces the passing away of Antonie Roux, CEO of Naspers’ internet businesses, last night. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go to his wife Sonja and children, André, Petronel and Marté.

Antonie (54) started his career at Naspers 33 years ago as a junior technician and held a number of management positions in the group over the years. In 1997 he became the founding CEO of MWEB, one of the first internet service providers in South Africa. In 2002 he was appointed CEO of Naspers’s internet operations and from April 2011 he assumed the added responsibility of CEO of MIH.

The board and employees of Naspers wish to express their gratitude for the huge contribution Antonie has made to the business. With the rest of the team, Antonie steered the transformation of the Naspers group from print to digital. He played a major role in Naspers’s international expansion and growth of its internet businesses, including the successful listing of Tencent on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He was awarded the Phil Weber Award – the highest accolade in the Naspers group – in August 2008.

Ton Vosloo, chairman of Naspers, said Antonie was a pioneer in the internet. “He was one of the big builders of the new media.”

CEO Koos Bekker added that Antonie’s main characteristic was his exceptional lust for life. “He was curious about everything and everyone; and very loyal. He was one of the few people worldwide that made a seamless transition from print media to television and the internet.”

Following Antonie’s untimely death, Koos Bekker will assume responsibility for the internet division until a successor is appointed.