Saltzman, now 75, started the business in 1978 alongside his wife, Lynette, and previously handed over the CEO role in July 2023.
In a statement, the company underscored Saltzman’s pivotal role in transforming Dis-Chem from a small family-owned concern into one of South Africa’s top pharmacy and healthcare organisations.
Under his watch, the retailer aggressively expanded, opened stores across the region, and successfully listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2016, a milestone in its corporate evolution.
“He is indisputably one of the retail giants of his generation who has transformed retail pharmacy,” said the company’s chairman, Larry Nestadt. Nestadt added that Dis-Chem is fortunate to retain Saltzman’s “wisdom and leadership” as it charts its future.
Saltzman himself reflected on his tenure, calling the experience “an extraordinary privilege,” adding: “With the progress made in building a strong leadership team, it is the right time to move to a more strategic position.”
As he steps back from daily operations, he expressed eagerness to continue supporting the company’s future success in his new role.
“He built a brand, shaped an industry, but most importantly, improved the lives of millions of people,” Morais said. He described it as “a privilege to work with, learn from, and be inspired by him.”
Beyond the leadership change, Dis-Chem’s founding family has undergone further restructuring of its shareholding.
In a June 2025 share redistribution, Saltzman’s sons, Dan and Mark, each acquired roughly 12 per cent of the company, converting a broader family holding through their investment vehicle into more distributed ownership.
Despite the internal reshuffle, Dis-Chem says all shares remain within the Saltzman family, preserving the family’s influence and commitment to the group’s future even as it phases in new leadership structures.
