Gary Lubner is a British naturalised business executive and philanthropist, originally born in South Africa. Lubner developed his business and philanthropic work during his early years in apartheid-era South Africa. Born into a liberal Jewish family who fled persecution in Eastern Europe, Lubner’s early life was shaped by his grandparents’ dedication to community support and social justice. His grandfather initially earned a living selling glass from a wooden cart after arriving in South Africa, laying the foundation for the family’s future in the glass industry.
His academic path began at the University of Cape Town, where he earned degrees in Finance and Accountancy. Following his undergraduate studies, Lubner completed his MBA at the London Business School between 1988 and 1990, a period that informed his international outlook and approach to building businesses in the UK.
Prior to his university studies, Lubner’s conscription into the South African police force strengthened his opposition to apartheid. During his university years in South Africa, Lubner engaged with social justice causes, taking roles in anti-apartheid organisations during the 1980s. He defended Nelson Mandela, later reflecting to the Financial Times about “getting into many fights with business people who were saying ‘he’s a terrorist’ and all of that. And so, it was very important to me to do all I could. I grew up in a very liberal family as a result of my grandparents and what they had experienced. They were very charitable. They got very involved in different charities,” Lubner has noted when discussing his early influences.
These experiences in South Africa helped shape his perspective on business and philanthropy. His family’s emphasis on supporting communities and assisting those less fortunate became central themes throughout his subsequent career. The principles established during these formative years, combined with his international education, laid the groundwork for his later achievements in corporate leadership and philanthropic initiatives.
Gary Lubner’s Corporate Leadership and Legacy
Gary Lubner’s corporate career began in the audit division of Arthur Andersen, before he moved to PG Group in South Africa. At PG Group, he served as Finance Manager of the Contracting Division before advancing to Managing Director of PG Masterfit, developing experience in the automotive and building glass sectors.
His tenure at Belron began in 1991. After progressing through various operational roles, Lubner became Chief Executive Officer in 2000, beginning a 23-year period that transformed the company’s global presence. Under his leadership, Belron expanded operations across 40 countries, developing its presence through brands including Autoglass in the UK, Carglass in Europe, and Safelite in the United States.
During Gary Lubner’s leadership, Belron’s workforce grew from approximately 8,000 to over 30,000 employees, while the company’s revenue increased more than sevenfold. By 2021, Belron’s valuation reached €21 billion, establishing its position as the world’s leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company. In the same year, Lubner implemented an employee share distribution of €300 million to 30,000 employees; the company achieved customer satisfaction scores above 85% across its territories. Following his retirement as CEO in early 2023, Lubner continues to serve on Belron’s Board, where he contributes to strategic direction.
Throughout his corporate career, Lubner maintained that business success and social responsibility were interconnected. “We always felt that there is an obligation, as individuals and as a business, to give back to communities less well-off than us,” he has stated, reflecting a philosophy that guided his philanthropic initiatives alongside his corporate achievements.
Gary Lubner’s philanthropic work stems from his experience in apartheid-era South Africa and his understanding of social responsibility developed from his early exposure to community support through his family’s activities.
Gary Lubner and ‘This Day Foundation’
In 2023, Gary Lubner founded the This Day Foundation, following his children’s encouragement to direct wealth toward social impact, focuses on building opportunities for future generations. Operating across the United Kingdom and South Africa, This Day implements education and employment initiatives for systemic change. This Day focuses on supporting leaders and organisations working toward measurable social impact, particularly in creating opportunities for young people to “live, grow, and thrive.”
The One to One Children’s Fund
Gary Lubner serves as trustee of the One to One Children’s Fund, which has operated since 2001. The organisation delivers community-led solutions across two primary regions: the rural Eastern Cape Province of South Africa through One to One Africa, and support for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK through its Future Leaders programme. The fund’s work aligns with Lubner’s approach to creating social impact through education and opportunity. In South Africa, it focuses on improving health, education, and livelihoods of women, children, and vulnerable families through structured interventions that prioritize community leadership and sustainable development. The Future Leaders programme in the UK provides resources and opportunities for refugee integration and development.
The Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation
Gary Lubner acts as Chairman of the Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation, launched in 2020, which continues his father’s philanthropic legacy while connecting corporate success with social responsibility. Funded by Belron’s senior leadership globally, the foundation has distributed €9 million to 350 charities across six continents. Its work spans COVID-19 pandemic support, humanitarian relief in Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey, and Syria, and youth development through Afrika Tikkun and the Field Band Foundation.
The foundation has allocated €1.5 million to organisations supporting young people across global communities. This work reflects Lubner’s principle that businesses should support their operating communities.
Strategic Philanthropy and Future Vision
Gary Lubner’s advisory role at Spring Impact and his work with UCL Policy Lab reflect his focus on evidence-based social development. His involvement with the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust extends this methodical approach to social justice and his commitment to direct wealth toward social causes has led to him becoming a leading donor to the UK Labour Party, with contributions of £4.5 million.
Gary Lubner contributes to social development through governance roles across multiple organisations. His work with the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust supports the continuation of Mandela’s social justice vision. As Spring Impact adviser, he assists organisations in scaling their social programmes. His role at Football Academy Noah utilizes sport for youth development, while his position with Afrika Tikkun advances youth programmes in South Africa.
The Spirit of Belron Challenge connects corporate engagement with charitable impact. By 2023, this annual fundraising event engaged 12,000 participants, supporting Afrika Tikkun’s youth development programmes in South Africa. The initiative applies Lubner’s principle that “we always felt that there is an obligation, as individuals and as a business, to give back to communities less well-off than us.”
