Jacobus Petrus “Koos” Bekker was born on December 14, 1952, in Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa[5]. He is a South African billionaire businessman and the chairman of media group Naspers[1]. Naspers operates in 130 countries and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange[1].

Bekker grew up as a farm boy in the town of Heidelberg, Gauteng Province, South Africa[2]. He attended Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg for his secondary education[7]. Bekker completed degrees in Law and Literature at Stellenbosch University and another degree in Law at Wits University[5][9]. During his time at Stellenbosch University, he was a hostel boarder of Eendrag Manskoshuis[9].

Bekker served as the CEO of Naspers from 1997 to 2014 before assuming the position of chairman in 2015[4]. He is married to Karen Roos, and together they have four children[3]. As of March 31, 2023, Koos Bekker is 70 years old.