Growthpoint CEO Norbert Sasse pockets $1.9 million salary in 2025

Leon Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s largest JSE-listed real estate investment trust, earned a total compensation of R31.23 million ($1.85 million) for 2025. This about 15% increase from 2024 pay is driven by rising short-term benefits and annual bonuses.

As Sasse prepares to retire on June 30, 2026, his leadership has guided Growthpoint through international expansion and significant asset growth, positioning the company as a global real estate powerhouse.

This represents a significant 14.53% increase from the R27.27 million ($1.62 million) he received for the previous year. The increase was driven by a 66.2% rise in short-term employee benefits, which reached R9.47 million ($562,069.54) and an 29.56% rise in annual bonus, reaching R18.47 million ($1.1 million).  This comes as Sasse plans to retire, with his last working day on June 30, 2026.

Sasse’s compensation breakdown
Nobert Sasse’s compensation includes a base salary of R8.98 million ($532,663.41), in line with his position as one of South Africa’s most influential business figures.

Additionally, he earned a performance-based incentive award of R12.76 million ($756,760.41), down by 2.08% from R13.03 million ($772,934.89) in 2024. His short-term incentive for 2025 amounted to R18.47 million ($1.01million), which is 29.73% higher than the R14.24 million ($844,278.33) he received last year.

Strategic stewardship ahead of planned retirement
Sasse’s leadership at Growthpoint Properties has been central to the company’s expansion and stability, even as the real estate market faces volatility. Since joining Growthpoint in 2003 and serving as Group CEO for over two decades, Sasse has guided the company through international growth, operational challenges, and evolving ESG commitments. 

With a planned retirement on 30 June 2026, his tenure, which began when he was appointed CEO of Growthpoint Properties Limited on August 24, 2004, leaves a legacy of strategic diversification and institutional strength, setting the stage for a smooth transition to his successor while positioning Growthpoint for continued growth.

Under his leadership, Growthpoint’s total assets rose from R9.66 billion ($573.13 million) at the end of fiscal 2005 to R152.18 billion ($9.03 billion) by 2025. Retained income grew from R1.44 billion ($85.45 million) to £6.91 billion ($410.02 million) over the same period.

Nobert Sasse’s stake and affluence
With operations across South Africa, Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe, Norbert Sasse has steered Growthpoint Properties to a leading position in global real estate. Under his leadership, the company expanded its international footprint, strengthened sustainability initiatives, and diversified its income streams. Sasse’s expertise in corporate finance, capital markets, and property investment has been central to Growthpoint’s growth, while his strategic vision ensures a smooth leadership transition as he prepares to retire on 30 June 2026.

In addition to his salary and bonuses, Sasse holds a 0.0011% stake in Growthpoint, equivalent to 3,644,810 shares valued at R59.19 million ($3.51 million). This stake, coupled with his substantial compensation, solidifies his position as one of the most affluent executives in South Africa.