Growthpoint Properties Unveils New Leadership Team for Future Growth

By Global Leaders Insights Team | Aug 11, 2025

Growthpoint Properties, a top real estate investment trust listed on the JSE, has announced a carefully planned leadership change to drive its future success.

Starting July 1, 2026, Estienne de Klerk, currently the CEO of Growthpoint South Africa, will take over as Group Chief Executive Officer, replacing Norbert Sasse, who shared his retirement plans in 2022.

José Snyders, currently CEO of Liberty Two Degrees Ltd, will step into the role of Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director on April 1, 2026, following Gerald Völkel’s retirement on March 31, 2026.

The transition, guided by Growthpoint’s Board, focuses on maintaining stability while bringing fresh energy. De Klerk, a Chartered Accountant with a Harvard Business School background, has nearly 20 years at Growthpoint and 30 years of experience in banking and real estate.

  • Growthpoint Properties Appoints Estienne de Klerk as Group CEO, José Snyders as CFO
  • Leadership Transition at Growthpoint to Drive Future Growth from 2026
  • Growthpoint Properties Announces New CEO and CFO as Norbert Sasse, Gerald Völkel Retire

He’s well-known for leading industry groups, including chairing the SA REIT Association and founding the Property Industry Group during the Covid-19 crisis, showing his dedication to progress and collaboration.

Snyders, also a Chartered Accountant, brings 22 years of expertise in financial services, investment banking, and real estate. His leadership roles at Liberty Two Degrees, including Commercial Director and Financial Director, make him a strong fit to manage Growthpoint’s finances and support its growth.

To ensure a smooth handover, Sasse will lead until June 30, 2026, and stay in an executive role until December 31, 2026. Völkel will work with Snyders from January to March 2026, guiding the company through its 2026 half-year financial reporting before Snyders fully takes over.

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg's 110M USD Palo Alto Estate Stirs Up Neighborhood Tensions

Board Chairman Rhidwaan Gasant expressed confidence in the new team, highlighting de Klerk’s deep company knowledge and Snyders’ dynamic perspective. “This leadership change sets Growthpoint up to keep delivering value for our shareholders,” Gasant said. The transition supports Growthpoint’s focus on strengthening its South African properties and making smart international investments, ensuring a bright future.