Paul Ekon

Paul Ekon was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now enjoys the reputation of being a high-powered venture capitalist with business dealings in Switzerland. Along with managing his businesses he spends a great deal of time and resources in caring for the poor in Soweto by building institutions that hand out food to orphans. He is well connected, and counts South African president Jacob Zuma as one of his personal friends.

Childhood

The parents of Paul Ekon were of mixed heritage, with roots of Greek and Jewish origins. After the death of his mother, he began learning at a boarding school, the St. Stithians College, which was one of the seven elite schools in South Africa. In 1976 he graduated from college and immediately entered the military, becoming part of the air force, and served his country for two years. After his years of service, he took up his favorite hobby, which was photography.
Business Highlights

Paul Ekon was a photographer for a publication in the defense industry, Paratus. Aiming to learn photography from true professionals, he relocated to Los Angeles where he was in the midst of the high fashion and entertainment industry. Later, when he returned to South Africa, he took with him valuable experience in the entertainment and food field leading him to change his business direction to restaurants. Over the years he opened several eating establishments in the vicinity of Johannesburg, such as Walnut Grove, Harpers and Hot Tin Roof.

With his restaurants up and running, Paul Ekon switched direction again as he became involved in consumer products. He marketed many popular South African brands of toiletries, including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Chicco, Hang Ten, Jordache and Barbara Barnard. Through his Hyde Park cosmetics outlet he sold the perfume line of Anneline Kriel.

The next business enterprise came in the form of door knobs and door handles, as Paul Ekon expanded production of those items in South Africa. The business grew into a successful venture, but lost its value when cheaper Chinese-made products entered the South African market.

Paul Ekon sold his door knobs and door handles manufacturing business in 1995 and transferred his profits into a computer company, Management Technologies Inc. The publicly traded company specializes in developing, installing and supporting software specifically for international banking. The integrated software systems produced by Management Technologies, Inc. are part of the advanced traders desktop known as TradeWizard. The company’s two premier products are Abraxsys and the OpenTrade suite.

From October 1995 to February 1997 Paul Ekon led the company as its Chief Executive Officer. During that time he planned the company’s strategy by understanding each of the individual client’s needs. By doing so he assured Management Technology’s success through supplying those specific needs and satisfying demands of the clientele.

Philanthropy

Paul Ekon partnered with Reverend Siphu Benghu to build and manage a church in Soweto. The church building doubles as a community center to which orphans arrive to receive daily food handouts. The program has since grown to include four locations that provide healthy sustenance for local children.