Sonny Shar, a widely respected executive in the footwear industry, has died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and kindness.
According to Footwear News, the influential figure was instrumental in driving the success of Pentland Group Plc in the United States and was lauded for both his industry innovations and personal generosity.
Sonny Shar passed away on March 21, marking the end of a career that spanned several decades and continents. Born in Namibia, Shar began his professional life as a motor mechanic before pivoting to become a chartered accountant. His life's journey took him from the mining town of Windhoek to the bustling business streets of Long Island, New York.
By the 1970s, Sonny sought new horizons in the United States, motivated by the challenging apartheid policies in South Africa. This emigration in 1974 laid the foundations for an impressive career in finance, beginning with work for an Israeli bank in New York. He then established his presence in the business world by forming an export-import finance company and advising a Dutch enterprise on international trade.
Shar's career trajectory was further bolstered in 1989 when he encountered Stephen Rubin and subsequently joined the Pentland Group. His role as the U.S. president empowered him to cement the British footwear company's presence in the American market. This impactful leadership earned him a spot in FN's Hall of Fame in 2014.
In reflecting on his collaboration with Rubin, Sonny expressed his gratitude for the prospects that shaped his career and legacy:
I am certainly very grateful to Stephen Rubin for affording me the opportunity. Without it, I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today. I have tremendous respect for him and his family, and I owe a lot to them for placing their trust in me.
Shar retired from Pentland USA in 2014, but his influence continued as he served as an advisor within the footwear industry. His influence extended far beyond corporate achievements; his generous spirit touched many in the community and garnered him a dedicated following of colleagues, friends, and family.
Friends and colleagues remember Sonny not only for his business accomplishments but also for his personal virtues. Bob Campbell described him as "a man of stature who has been very generous with his time and talents." Similarly, Diane Sullivan remarked on his trustworthy and egalitarian approach to work, which ensured mutual benefit in all professional interactions.
Sonny's philanthropic mindset can be traced back to the values instilled by his parents. He once remarked that his parents set a remarkable example, emphasizing the importance of respect, charity, and generosity beyond monetary contributions. These values manifest in the relationships he built and the charitable endeavors he supported throughout his life.
Shar's life and work were also a personal testament to realizing the "American dream." He resided on Long Island with his wife, where they raised three children and welcomed two grandchildren. This intimate circle of family was a cornerstone of his happiness and fulfillment. His granddaughter, Alexis Lamanna, expressed profound admiration in a social media tribute, lauding him as a caring, thoughtful, and fun-loving family member.
Sonny Shar's life encompassed transitions across continents and industries, showcasing a remarkable resilience and passion for people and business. Moreover, his appointment by President Jimmy Carter to the White House Conference on Small Business was a testament to his expertise.
Furthermore, Sonny Shar led an illustrious life marked by significant achievements in the footwear industry and leaves behind an enduring impact on both personal and professional levels. His career began in Namibia, traversed through finance, and ultimately culminated in shaping a major British company’s American destiny. As he once said himself, his life in the U.S. was the realization of an incredible journey. In 2014, as he reflected on his career and the people who influenced him, he deeply valued the relationships and opportunities that defined his path.
Ultimately, his legacy of leadership, commitment, and humanism will continue to inspire those who knew him, ensuring that his influence is felt far beyond his 86 years.
