Ralph Ehrmann
Ralph Rudolf Mathias Ehrmann (March 8, 1925 – January 10, 2023) was a German-born British businessman noted for his role in the development of the toy industry through his work with Airfix, and his later involvement in banking industry.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Leipzig into a German-Jewish family, Ehrmann moved to London in 1933 and became a British citizen in 1939.[2] He was educated at Hall preparatory school, St Paul's School, University of Reading, and the London School of Economics.[3][2]
Career
[edit]During World War II, Ehrmann served as a bomb aimer-navigator in the RAF, but his military career ended prematurely when his aircraft crashed during a training flight in 1944.[3][2] Post-war, he initially worked as a journalist in Scandinavia, although he never published articles himself, instead providing content to local papers.[3]
Ehrmann's business career began at Airfix, where he suggested the company diversify into producing plastic model kits.[3] This venture led to the production of popular models such as historic ships and the iconic Spitfire.[3] His business career expanded in the 1970s when he became a director at the new Triumph bank, and later moved to the United States to chair Clabir, a holding company with industrial interests.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Ehrmann was married to Inge Landecker from 1955 until her death in 2022, and they had two children.[3] His daughter Helen predeceased him in 1997.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, Ralph Ehrmann, Sylvia Syms, Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, Jo Sandilands". BBC.
- ^ a b c Grant, Ellie. "UN chief Guterres condemns Iran attack in apparent U-turn after Israel bars him". www.thejc.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Ralph Ehrmann obituary". www.thetimes.com. January 30, 2023.