AUTOFORUM

A great loss to the industry

May 31, 2023 Philip Otto, Auto Africa, Johannesburg International Motor Show, Festival of Motoring,

A great loss to the industry

Well-known and popular industry personality Philip Otto passed away last week after a long battle with a dread disease.

Philip played a kingpin role in establishing Auto Africa in the mid-1990’s which became the Johannesburg International Motor Show and morphed into the Festival of Motoring, the largest consumer-facing motoring event in the country. He also played a major role in the establishment by Messe Frankfurt of Automechanika Johannesburg, the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in Africa, with a significant international reach and a catalyst for meaningful business engagement and marketing.

A private person by nature, it is not generally known that, apart from his exceptional entrepreneurial skills, Philip was also a qualified pilot, cattle farmer and a recipient of several awards in deep sea fishing events in both South Africa and Mocambique .

Philip was the kind of person who was liked by all who met him and his popularity underpinned his excellent negotiation skills and ensured his success in the tough and competitive business environment of the motor industry and the trade show marketing environment. He is sorely missed by his life partner Pula, family and the multitude of friends who mourn his passing.

Autoforum salutes a good man and offers our condolences to Pula and family.