SIMON PERUTZ
S
imon Perutz passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2023, in the English countryside. He was only 64.
Simon was a remarkable man of inspiration, intelligence, wit, energy, tenacity and generosity. He was an entrepreneur, mentor, associate and friend to many. Simon was a titan in the Exhibit Industry and leaves a legacy of relationship-building, innovation, respect, integrity, and enormous success. Simon’s father, Gerald Perutz, and Neil Nimmo – inventor of the Nimlok lock & clip and the original modular display system – founded Nimlok Limited in the UK in 1970. The business grew rapidly and in 1977, Gerald emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States. In 1981, Neil, Gerald and Simon established Nimlok Simon Perutz, Nimlok US & Orbus Founder Company in the United States. Simon led Nimlok’s product development, sales, and marketing efforts with wild success. He formed relationships with business leaders across the nation and the globe, which led to the creation of a network of Nimlok Dealerships in the US, the establishment of Nimlok Canada in 1985, as well as Nimlok Italy and Nimlok Australia, among others.
1981, Neil Nimmo, Gerald and Simon Perutz in front of Nimlok’s 1st building in Chicago
In 2001, Simon established Orbus Exhibit & Display Group in the United States, now named Orbus Visual Communications. Simon continued to lead the Nimlok business in the US until 2010, when Nimlok merged with Orbus. Together, Simon, his brother Tim and Gerald established 15 exhibit and display-focused companies worldwide and formed the P3 Group (commemorating the three Perutz’s – Gerald, Simon, and Tim). In 2020, Nimlok celebrated its 50th anniversary; that same year, Simon’s son Andrew Perutz was appointed President of Nimlok Chicago. More than anything, family and friends were the driving force in Simon’s life. There was nothing he valued more than sharing his many passions with those he loved – exceptional wine, dog walks, British cars (preferably ones that worked), creative pursuits of every type and being a grandfather. He was genuinely interested in everyone he met and extended kindness to bring out everyone’s best in turn. Simon was a great friend, mentor and inspiration for many. In recent years, his focus was increasingly switching to expressing his gratitude by giving back. Though he will be so tremendously missed, his legacy will keep him with us long into the future. Simon is survived by his wife, Kim, his 5 children, Kate, Tessa, Lucy, Andrew and Matthew and his granddaughter, Daisy Britt. He is also survived by his sister, Sandie MacClancy and brother, Tim Perutz. 2020, Simon and Andrew Perutz, Commemorating Nimlok’s 50th Anniversary