Elliot Salkow (1953–2021) was a South African entrepreneur and founder of Ellies Holdings (Ellies Electronics). Salkow was named among the top 10 wealthiest South Africans in the technology sector by the Sunday Times in 2013.[1]

Elliot Salkow

Early life

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Salkow was born in 1953 and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa with two sisters. He faced early challenges after losing his father at a young age, which motivated him to work to fund and help his mother.[2] Salkow supported himself by selling mirrors and working as a delivery man.[1]

Career

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In 1979, Salkow founded Ellies Electronics, initially operating the business from his garage. The company began by selling television aerials and expanded to become a significant supplier and installer of satellite dishes and decoders.[1]

Under Salkow's leadership, Ellies Electronics expanded its operations and established its headquarters in Eloff Street, Johannesburg.[1]

Ellies Electronics career

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In 2013, reports estimated Salkow's wealth from Ellies Electronics was at approximately 880 million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.[3] His entrepreneurial contributions to the South African technology industry have been widely recognized.[4]

Later years and retirement

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Salkow transitioned to a non-executive director role at Ellies Electronics in 2019 and retired from active management a year later. His decision allowed new leadership to guide the company into its next phase of growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing.technological landscape.[5] After 39 years in the electrical industry, Elliot "Ellie" Salkow, transitioned into renewable energy. In 2019, he established Invest Solar.[6] Ellie Salkow died in 2021 at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife, children, and sisters.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Remembering Ellie Salkow, a pioneer in SA broadcasting - TechCentral". December 30, 2021.
  2. ^ "Editorial: End of Ellies is a cautionary tale". Business Live. April 12, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  3. ^ "Richest men in SA tech". BusinessTech. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  4. ^ "Bekker richest man in SA tech". HumanIPO. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "Two well-known South African companies in deep trouble". BusinessTech. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  6. ^ "About Us". Invest Solar. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Electronics group Ellies shutting down after a decade". Fullview. Retrieved July 16, 2024.