South Africa’s largest listed property group, Growthpoint Properties, has announced a planned leadership transition that will see Estienne de Klerk succeed Norbert Sasse as Group Chief Executive Officer from 1 July 2026. José Snyders, currently CEO of Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), will take up the role of Group Chief Financial Officer from 1 January 2026.

The appointments, confirmed in a SENS announcement on Monday, form part of the company’s long-term succession strategy and are described by Growthpoint as a “well-planned leadership transition.”

“The Board of Directors of Growthpoint is pleased to announce the appointment of Estienne de Klerk as Group Chief Executive Officer [GCEO], effective 1 July 2026, aligning with the commencement of the FY27 financial year, and the appointment of José Snyders as Group Chief Financial Officer [GCFO] effective 1 January 2026,” the company stated.

Growthpoint added: “Growthpoint 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. In 2022, Growthpoint reported that the current Group CEO Norbert Sasse would retire from the role. The Board is pleased to confirm that Estienne de Klerk, currently Growthpoint South Africa CEO, will succeed Sasse as Group CEO effective 1 July 2026. De Klerk’s appointment follows a structured succession planning process overseen by the Board over several years.”

De Klerk has been with Growthpoint for nearly two decades and is one of South Africa’s most prominent figures in the commercial and listed property sectors. Beyond his leadership within the group, he has held senior roles in industry bodies including the South African Property Owner Association (Sapoa) and the SA Reit Association.

He was instrumental in the introduction of REIT legislation in South Africa and played a key role in the property industry’s response to the Covid-19 crisis, particularly in coordinating rental relief measures.

A Chartered Accountant and Harvard Business School alumnus, De Klerk holds BCom degrees in Industrial Psychology, Marketing, and Accountancy from the University of Johannesburg, along with certification as a Master Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRA). Growthpoint highlights his “deep expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, operations, Broad-based BEE and industry transformation” gained over three decades in banking and listed property.

José Snyders will replace Gerald Völkel, who retires as Group Financial Director on 31 March 2026. Snyders, currently on ‘gardening leave’ as he departs L2D, has served as CEO since November 2024, having previously been the company’s Commercial Director and Financial Director.

A Chartered Accountant with two honours degrees, one in financial analysis and portfolio management and another in financial accounting, Snyders brings over 22 years of experience across financial services, investment banking, and listed real estate. Growthpoint notes that he offers “a deep blend of strategic, operational and capital markets expertise.”

Snyders’ move from L2D, which operates iconic properties such as Sandton City and is majority-owned by Standard Bank Group, to Growthpoint marks a significant leadership shift within South Africa’s property industry.