JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Growthpoint Properties has announced the appointment of Estienne de Klerk as group CEO and José Snyders as group CFO from July 1, 2026, and January 1, 2026, respectively.

In 2022, Growthpoint reported that current Group CEO Norbert Sasse would retire from the role. The company notes that De Klerk’s appointment follows a structured succession planning process overseen by the board over several years.

With three decades of experience across banking and listed property, and nearly 20 years with Growthpoint in a progression of senior executive roles, Growthpoint says De Klerk has deep expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, operations, broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) and industry transformation.

He has held numerous leadership roles in the sector, including chairperson of the South African Reit Association, past president of the South African Property Owners Association and founder of the Property Industry Group, which supported the sector through the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also serves on the boards of key Growthpoint investments, including V&A Waterfront Holdings and Growthpoint Properties Australia.

Growthpoint says it plans leadership changes well in advance to ensure stable, experienced leadership and a strong, embedded culture to deliver sustainable long-term value to its stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Gerald Völkel is retiring as group FD on March 31, 2026, and will be succeeded by Snyders as group CFO and executive director.

Snyders is the current CEO of Liberty Two Degrees - a role he assumed following a successful tenure as both commercial director and FD of that company.

With over 22 years of experience spanning financial services, investment banking and listed real estate, Growthpoint says he brings with him a deep blend of strategic, operational and capital markets expertise.

HANDOVER STRUCTURE
Marking 22 years at the helm of Growthpoint, the Reit says Sasse will continue to lead the company for the current financial year to June 30, 2026, when he will hand the reins over to De Klerk for the 2027 financial year.

Sasse will remain with the business in an executive capacity for six months until December 31, 2026, to support a smooth and orderly transition. The position of South African CEO will be removed as part of a broader review of the executive leadership operating model.

Völkel and Snyders will work in parallel for three months, from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, to ensure a seamless handover and continuity across the group’s financial operations.

Völkel will retain the responsibility as group FD for Growthpoint’s 2026 financial year half-year financial reporting and officially hand over to Snyders from April 1, 2026.

Growthpoint says these appointments reflect its ongoing commitment to stable, long-term leadership ensuring the company is well positioned to continue delivering strategic and operational performance.

This includes its stated objectives of improving its South African portfolio and optimising its international investments.

“This is a natural and timeous transition to new leadership to take Growthpoint into its next chapter. We are pleased to announce Estienne de Klerk’s appointment as group CEO, which represents strong continuity and deep corporate knowledge, while the appointment of José Snyders as group CFO injects fresh perspective into the mix.

“The board is pleased with the implementation of its leadership succession plan and is confident that these appointments will deliver value for shareholders,” says Growthpoint chairperson Rhidwaan Gasant.