Red Bull co-founder passes away after long illness

Co-founder of Red Bull energy drinks, Dietrich Mateschitz, died this past Saturday (22 October) at the age of 78, after a long-term illness.

Jesper brouwers B2 Cs6kw5 VNM unsplash

Austrian Mateschitz founded the company in 1987 with Thai national, Chaleo Yoovidhya. The company quickly became and remained the leader in the energy-drinks market.

Red Bull became associated with extreme sports owing to its sponsorship of, among other sports, big wave surfing, cliff diving, mountain biking and trail ultra-running.

But one of the brand’s biggest success stories remains its venture into Formula 1 when it bought the then-Jaguar team in 2004. Over two decades, the team was built into a champion team with Sebastian Vettel at the steering wheel.

On local soil, Red Bull has been a sponsor of motorsport champions such as Giniel de Villiers, a Dakar champion.

Last October Mateschitz’s net worth was valued at around $25 billion.

Red Bull currently employs 13 000 people in 172 countries and sells and estimated 10 billion cans of the energy drink annually.

More Industry News stories

GAC Motor SA and soccer foundation kick ball together

GAC Motor SA and soccer foundation kick ball together

In a demonstration of a purpose-driven partnership, GAC Motor South Africa has joined forces with the Real Madrid Foundation South Africa as its official mobility partner – a collaboration dedicated to creating real opportunities for young people through the transformative power of football and education.

  • 20 June 2025
Maserati SA clarifies its sole official dealer and service network

Maserati SA clarifies its sole official dealer and service network

Maserati addressed recent developments in the South African market regarding unauthorised parties claiming to be official Maserati dealers and service centres. These claims are both false and misleading to customers, and we consider this to be a matter of serious concern.

  • 18 June 2025
Distracted driving decreases in some places

Distracted driving decreases in some places

Following the recent international awareness month of driving while distracted (DWD), positive news from the City of Cape Town has been shared. The City revealed that between July 2022 and June 2024, impoundments of cellphones reduced by 16%. Cellphone-related offences also dropped by 11.5%.

  • 20 June 2025