Draft:Lazarus Jacobs

Lazarus Nghumbilemo Jacobs

Lazarus Nghumbilemo Jacobs is a prominent Namibian media personality, entrepreneur, and public speaker. He is notably recognized as the co-founder of Paragon Investments, a diversified business entity in Namibia. Lazarus Jacobs is the co-founder of Paragon Investment Holdings and a well-known Namibian media personality, entrepreneur, and public speaker. He has significant experience in media and marketing and serves on various boards, including Paragon Investment Holdings, TBWA\Paragon, Windhoek Observer, and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Jacobs was a former Chairperson of both the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and the National Theatre of Namibia.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Grootfontein, Jacobs attended school in Swakopmund due to Apartheid-era segregation policies. He started his career as a clerk at the Department of Water Affairs, transitioning into media at NBC as a continuity scriptwriter, radio producer, and TV producer. He later served as a personal assistant to the Minister of Finance and worked at NamWater before venturing into business.

Education:

• Matriculant, Tamariskia High School (1989)[citation needed]
• Diploma in Journalism, International Institute of Journalism, Berlin[citation needed]

Career

Lazarus Jacobs has over 20 years of experience in various fields including media, marketing, advertising, and business development. His career milestones include:

• Personnel Officer, Department of Water Affairs (1990-1993)[citation needed]
• Personal Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Nangolo Mbumba (1997-1999)[citation needed]
• Continuity Scriptwriter, TV & Radio Producer and Presenter at Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (1993-1997)[citation needed]
• Manager of Corporate Affairs, Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) (1999-2003)[citation needed]
• Executive Director and Co-Founder, Paragon Investment Holdings (2003-Present)[citation needed]

Induction into Namibia Business Hall of Fame (2009): Jacobs was inducted into the Namibia Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to Namibia's economic development through Paragon Investment Holdings. This accolade honors notable Namibian entrepreneurs.

Role at Namibian Broadcasting Corporation: In a recent appointment, Jacobs was named as the chairperson of the NBC's Board of Directors, overseeing the broadcaster's operations for a three-year term.

Brand Africa 100 (2021): Jacobs co-hosted the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands event as the Executive Director of Paragon Investment Holdings.

Paragon Investment Holdings

Paragon Investment Holdings, co-founded by Jacobs, operates in several sectors including property development, food production, media, retail, and more. The company is known for its significant contribution to Namibian employment, particularly among previously disadvantaged groups[citation needed].

Board Memberships

Jacobs has held various board positions, reflecting his diverse professional interests:

• Paragon Investment Holdings (2003-Present)[citation needed]
• TBWA\Paragon (2003-Present)[citation needed]
• Paragon Media (2009-Present)[citation needed]
• [Other board positions listed in the CV][citation needed]

Achievements

• Inducted into the Namibia Business Hall of Fame (2011)[citation needed]
• International Award for Business Excellence, New York (2012)[citation needed]
• The Best Business Duo Award, Africa Economy Builders (2018)[citation needed]

The Arts

Apart from his corporate accomplishments, Jacobs is an award-winning actor, playwright, and enjoys stand-up comedy as a hobby[citation needed].

Community Involvement

Jacobs founded 'Entreprenation', a business mentorship program supporting SMEs and startups throughout Namibia[citation needed].

Personal Life

Born on August 18, 1970, Lazarus is married and has two children[citation needed].

References

• Bio – Lazarus Jacobs (www.lazspeaks.com)
• Challenges for public media in Namibia - Public Media Alliance (www.publicmediaalliance.org)
• Paragon Investment Holdings – Windhoek Observer (www.observer24.com.na)
• ROYAL HUSTLERS - Issuu (Royal Hustlers @ issuu.com)