Gidon Novick

Founder of Lucid Ventures 

Gidon Novick is a distinguished South African entrepreneur celebrated for his transformative contributions to the aviation, hospitality, and social impact sectors. As the founder of Kulula.com, South Africa’s first low-cost airline, and the innovative Lift Airlines, Novick revolutionized air travel in the country by prioritizing affordability, customer-centric service, and adaptability.

 

In addition to his achievements in aviation, Novick is the visionary behind Home Suite Hotels, a boutique hotel brand that blends personalized service with contemporary, design-led spaces tailored to modern travelers. His ventures in hospitality reflect his commitment to creating exceptional and meaningful customer experiences.

 

Previously, Novick served as the CEO of Vitality, the world’s largest wellness program, where he championed innovative approaches to improving health and wellbeing on a global scale.

Novick set a personal goal to dedicate half of his time to building a scalable and sustainable non-profit organization. This vision led him to provide the seed capital for SA Harvest, a pioneering food rescue organization that combats food insecurity and food waste in South Africa. As Chairman, Novick plays an integral role in shaping the organization’s strategy, emphasizing sustainability and meaningful impact.

 

Gidon Novick’s career is defined by his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and dedication to fostering positive change across industries and communities.

Sessions

March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
 

9.15AM – 9.35AM

Coffee Chat: Building Next Generation Impact

 

He describes himself as a “socially minded entrepreneur” focused on innovative and high impact businesses. His background is varied and interesting, including being co-founder of LIFT, the airline. He runs his own venture fund supporting the growth of entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. And his newest venture is Circle, a boutique senior living brand with residences being developed in sought-after urban locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town. We delve into his views on next generation entrepreneurship. 

5.00PM – 5.30PM

Flying High In The Next Generation

 

From improving connectivity to modernising their retailing, the airline industry is facing changes on several fronts. How are the different players rising to the challenge, and what are their plans to capture the opportunities in this continent, with different distribution, marketing and commercial strategies?

 

Speakers:

Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways

John Friel, Regional Director, Qatar Airways 

Mike McGearty, CEO & Co-founder, Meili 

Rodger Foster, CEO, Airlink

 

Moderator:

Gideon Novick, CEO, Home Suite Hotels