First Group Co-Founder and Chairman Stuart Lamont Passes Away
Durban – First Group has announced the passing of its Group Chairman and Co-Founder, Stuart Lamont.
The Group Chairman passed away on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
Together with Tony Ridl, Stuart Lamont co-founded First Group, playing a crucial role in its evolution into one of South Africa’s most revered names in the hospitality sector.
Under his guidance, First Group flourished through innovation, dedication, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, fostering a service-oriented culture that became synonymous with the Group’s triumphs.
A respected business figure, he was known for his ambition, resolve, and vision, cultivating and expanding successful enterprises.
His professional legacy remains a foundational element of the organization he helped establish and lead.
Stuart’s leadership was marked by his ability to identify and nurture potential in individuals, transforming ideas into opportunities that enriched generations of employees and guests alike.
He embodied the tenacity of Winston Churchill – a fierce and formidable leader to his colleagues, yet behind that steadfast exterior was a genuine spirit, deeply compassionate and committed to uplifting those in need, immensely generous, and devoted to creating an enduring legacy.
His wife, Rioma, described him as a man who “loved deeply – his children, his family, and his extended family from all corners of the world.”
Together, they built a life rooted in that love.
She remarked that Stuart “had an adventurous spirit and a childlike passion for learning and growth.”
He lived with “an insatiable curiosity and a joy for life that inspired everyone around him.”
Stuart is survived by Rioma, their children – Shaun and Nikki, Donald and Lauren, Jason and Sinead, Tanya, David and Christie – and their grandchildren Emma and Reece, Connor and Jake, Maddox, Linx-Dior, and Cyrus.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love for his family and zest for life transcended the boardroom.
The Lamont family and First Group express heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support and condolences received during this period.
Stuart Lamont’s legacy will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known and worked alongside him.