Growthpoint Properties has appointed Estienne de Klerk as its new Group CEO, putting a nearly two-decade company veteran in charge of South Africa’s largest JSE-listed real estate investment trust as it begins its next phase of growth.

De Klerk took over the top job on July 1, 2026, succeeding Norbert Sasse, who led Growthpoint for nearly 22 years. The appointment gives the property group a leader with deep knowledge of its operations at a time when investors are closely watching the performance of South Africa’s listed property sector.

The leadership change comes with Growthpoint overseeing R160.1 billion($9.99 billion) in property assets across 453 properties and holding a market capitalization of more than R55 billion($3.43 million). The company is also part of the FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index, underscoring its importance to South Africa’s investment market.

De Klerk’s appointment is therefore more than a routine executive change. It places a familiar face at the center of Growthpoint’s strategy as the group seeks to build on its position across South Africa’s commercial property market.

De Klerk brings nearly two decades of Growthpoint experience

De Klerk has spent nearly 20 years with Growthpoint in a range of senior executive positions, most recently as CEO of Growthpoint South Africa.

A chartered accountant with about 30 years of experience across banking and listed property, he brings extensive knowledge of both the company and the wider real estate industry. His long tenure at Growthpoint also gives him direct experience of the business he now leads at group level.

Growthpoint Chairman Rhidwaan Gasant described the appointment as a planned succession that would provide continuity while taking the company 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,” Gasant said.

New CEO takes charge alongside new CFO

De Klerk is taking over as Growthpoint also reshapes its senior finance leadership. José Snyders became Group CFO on Jan. 1, 2026, replacing Gerald Völkel, who retired as Group Financial Director on March 31 after more than 13 years in the position.

Snyders joined from Liberty Two Degrees, where he served as CEO after holding Commercial Director and Financial Director roles. He brings more than 22 years of experience across financial services, investment banking and listed real estate.

The changes give De Klerk a new executive partner as Growthpoint manages a large property portfolio and continues to deliver returns to shareholders. For the year ended June 30, 2026, distributable income per share increased 4.3% to R1.526($0.09), while dividends per share rose 7.4% to R1.335($0.08).

What De Klerk inherits at Growthpoint

De Klerk succeeds Sasse, who became Group CEO in 2004 and oversaw Growthpoint for almost 22 years. Sasse remains with the company in an executive capacity until Dec. 31, 2026, to support the transition.

Growthpoint later said Sasse had assumed the role of Interim Group CEO pending De Klerk’s return to office.

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sandton, Growthpoint has grown into one of South Africa’s largest listed property companies. Its portfolio spans 453 properties across four major business units, giving De Klerk a substantial platform as he takes over the group.

The challenge for the new CEO will be to build on that scale while maintaining financial performance and responding to changing conditions across South Africa’s property market.

With a new CEO and CFO now in place, Growthpoint is entering a new leadership chapter without moving far from the experience that helped shape the company.