It is with deep sorrow that I announce that Simon Marais passed away this evening after a hard-fought battle with cancer. On behalf of all at Allan Gray and Orbis, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Simon’s family. The exceptionally positive, brave, caring and open manner in which Simon took on this disease is indicative of the incredible spirit of the man.

Simon was a constant source of inspiration for over two decades with Allan Gray and Orbis. Across both organisations, there is a palpable sense of energy, drive and determination to ensure that Allan Gray Australia serves as an enduring testament to Simon. What more can one do than inspire greatness in others.

Times like these are never easy, but we are fortunate that Simon has left our Australian firm in extremely capable hands. There are few better measures of an individual than the quality of the people that surround them, and Simon leaves an extraordinary team that is a true reflection of himself.

Simon Mawhinney, who has established a proven track record of value creation since joining the firm in 2006, will assume leadership of the firm and the investment team while Johan de Lange will continue to lead the firm’s operational activities. In addition senior analyst Dan Abeshouse has been promoted to co-portfolio manager and will assume that role from 1 July.

We have every confidence that this carefully selected team will continue the great work that Simon started, while upholding the same robust investment philosophy and core values that we have maintained over our more than 40-year history.

William Gray
Chairman, Allan Gray Australia and President, Orbis