Niyi Adeleye Head: Real Estate, Finance - Africa Regions at Standard Bank Adeleye heads Real Estate Finance (Africa Regions) at Standard Bank Group where he is responsible for managing the real estate finance activities of the group across its 20 presence countries across South, Central, East and West Africa. With over 25 years’ experience and varying competences, he has worked in roles in real estate finance, investments and advisory; principal investment, project engineering and management. He is an AMDP, alumnus of Harvard University, Graduate School of Design and has master’s degrees in Property Economics and Construction Management from the London South-Bank University, UK and University of Lagos, Nigeria respectively.
Heath Andersen Founder of DC Design Africa Technical advisor to a private equity firm on a bid for a West African data centre operator. I provided technical assessments on the existing facilities and operations and of the planned expansion of the data centres. Completed 2021. Technical advisor to a fibre network operator who is looking to expand their offering further into data centres. I prepared business plans for board approval. Currently assisting with the implementation of the strategy. Site selection at +10 locations across Africa for suitable sites for an African colocation provider. This involves working with owners, developers and local authorities to establish if the site in question is suitable for hosting a Data Centre. To achieve this, I am managing a team of engineers, architects and specialists who are undertaking studies and surveys of the sites. The outcome of which is a RED flag report that is used in the business case. Project director for a new build data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. 4 x 1,500m2 Data Halls, IT Load of 12MW, completed 2022. Site due diligence of 6 data centres across South Africa for a global data centre operator who required valuation, compliance and upgrade analysis of each site as part of an asset valuation program.
Simon Ardonceau Director African Business of AIRE
Simon Ardonceau Director African Business of AIRE Self-driven Head of Business Development & Consulting and Exco member with 15-year’ experience in the real estate sector in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Successfully set up and led the growth of a consulting division and was promoted 6 times in 12 years with 3 international relocations within JLL. Built a track-record of >300 consulting assignments and executed transactions / deal due diligences for c. $2B across office, logistics, retail, mixed-use and residential asset classes in >35 countries across EMEA. Graduated from INSEAD with an Executive MBA.
Michael Avery Radio Anchor at Hot 1027
Michael Avery Radio Anchor at Hot 1027 With two decades greying in the media industry, I bring a bit of know-how and my skill set that spans journalism, broadcasting, radio production, and academic research, which qualifies me as partially batshit crazy. My track record speaks for itself – when I don’t. I have a proven ability to deliver compelling content that agitates with audiences across various platforms.
Amelia Beattie CEO of Liberty Two Degrees
Amelia Beattie CEO of Liberty Two Degrees I have a deep passion for property – not only because of its investment returns and bricks and mortar, but for the difference that it makes to people and the communities it serves, I have also obtained a RICS Certification which promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
Guy Briggs Partner at dhk Architects
Guy Briggs Partner at dhk Architects An architect and urban designer / planner, with 30 years experience working on projects around the world. Based in Cape Town since 2010, and with dhk Architects since 2012 - where I am a Partner & urban design principal, as well as executive director responsible for business development, business strategy, governance and risk. I serve as company secretary on on dhk's board of directors, and as non-executive director with our interiors business - dhk. I regularly talk at conferences and events, publish articles and papers, and have lectured in the UK, USA and South Africa. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (London), and an Academician of the Academy of Urbanism (London). I have previously served as a member of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront design review committee, and as Cape Town city representative for the Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Before moving to Cape Town in 2010, I was a panel member and co-Chair of the Bristol Urban Design Forum, and head of its Strategic Urban Design Advisory Group. I have also been a panel member of the London Borough of Hackney Design Review Panel, a guest critic at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL) for MA Urban Design reviews (2006 – 2008), and for the design studio at the London School of Economics Cities Programme (2001). I am a member of the Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA), served on the steering committee from 2012 to 2021, and was UDISA Chairperson from 2018 to 2021. My work in practice, research and teaching is driven by a strong belief in the need for a socially responsive approach to urbanism and development, in which places are shaped and created by and for the people that will use and inhabit them.
Natasha Bruwer Managing Director of Broll
Natasha Bruwer Managing Director of Broll Managing Director of a division of 65+ employees delivering end to end corporate real estate services to multi national companies. Over 18yrs experience in global corporate real estate services, with a demonstrated history of managing large scale outsource real estate portfolio's for banking, petroleum, insurance and industrial sector Clients. Skilled in Business Strategy, Operations Management, Finance, Real Estate and Client Relationship Management.
Murray Clark Founder & CEO of Neighbourgood
Murray Clark Founder & CEO of Neighbourgood Co-Founder & CEO of Neighbourgood. We are building the worlds first all access passport to connected living and working spaces and experiences in lifestyle cities. Leveraging a density model, together with best in class propco/opco economics, we acquire, repurpose and add value to buildings with a focus on adaptive reuse, creating cultural relevance once again. Since founding Neighbourgood in 2020, we have launched over 1000 living and working units, grown our team to 100+, repurposing 15 different buildings, grown revenue from 0-$10m US and becoming EBITDA profitable.
Ivan Cornet Managing Partner at Latitude Five
Ivan Cornet Managing Partner at Latitude Five I am the Managing Partner in charge of real estate and urban infrastructure at Latitude Five, an investment and advisory firm operating in emerging markets. In my role, I collaborate closely with institutional investors, developers and operators, providing market insights and uncovering exclusive off-market opportunities. My expertise extends to structuring, executing, and managing diverse commercial and financial transactions, including sustainable initiatives for which I hold the IFC EDGE Expert for Green Buildings in Emerging Markets credential. With over twenty-five years of extensive experience in the real estate landscape across the EMEA region, I have worn various hats—as a lawyer, investor, and financier. My journey has equipped me with an understanding of the complexities of emerging and frontier markets involved in underwriting and executing structured projects and transactions. I hold senior executive and non-executive positions with several international and African real estate and investment companies, including as a member of the RICS World Regional Board for the Middle East and Africa. I am passionate about contributing to the growth and development of the regions and sectors I am dedicated to. I actively participate in events, publications, and initiatives aimed at promoting these countries and strengthening the real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors across Africa. Since 2022, I have been a member of the judging panel of the Africa Property Investment Awards, which each year recognise outstanding achievements within the African real estate sector. Having been based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (2012-2018 and again in 2023) and Casablanca, Morocco (2018-2019), I bring a unique perspective shaped by my experiences in diverse and vibrant settings.
James Delaney Founder of Delaney Studios
James Delaney Founder of Delaney Studios James Delaney is a contemporary artist working in print, charcoal, paint, photography and sculpture from his studio at Victoria Yards, Johannesburg, South Africa. His work has been shown in over 50 group and solo exhibitions in SA, the USA, England and France over the past 20 years, as well as at art fairs including Art on Paper in New York. He has won awards from BASA and SAIA for public art installations.
Sterik Gerber Director & Pricipal Architect of Boogertman + Partners Architects
Sterik Gerber Director & Pricipal Architect of Boogertman + Partners Architects Experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the architecture & construction industry (22years).Experience and skills in Project Management, Mixed-use developments, Commercial Offices, Hotel and Leisure, Industrial, Motor Related Retail, Commercial Retail and High Density Residential. Strong professional with a M. Tech Arch from Tshwane University and MBL (Business Leadership) from University of SA focused in Architecture and Business Strategy.
Wayne Godwin CO-CEO of JLL As CO-CEO Africa, Wayne focuses on delivering strategic advisory services and capital market oversight to local, regional, and global clients across Sub-Saharan Africa. Wayne has over 13 years’ experience in the hospitality real estate industry. His broad range of experience includes hotel feasibility assignments, commercial due diligence for hospitality platforms and portfolios, hotel asset management and operator selection and management contract negotiations.
Bani Haddad Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality
Bani Haddad Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality Following a successful 25-year career in the hospitality business, Bani Haddad founded Aleph Hospitality in 2015 to provide hotel owners in the Middle East and Africa with a customised, results-driven alternative to traditional hotel management models. A visionary leader, acclaimed speaker and widely respected hotelier, Bani successfully developed, launched and managed several major international hotel brands prior to making the bold move to set up Aleph Hospitality. From site selection, fundraising and construction at Hospitality Management Services and pre- and post-opening operations at Starwood and Disneyland Resort Paris, to strategic growth and development as Regional Vice President Middle East & Africa for Wyndham Hotel Group, Bani has first-hand experience in virtually every aspect of hotel management.
Tim Harris Partner at Consulum
Tim Harris Partner at Consulum Tim is a partner at public sector advisory firm Consulum where he leads the Competitiveness practice and the Cape Town office. He was previously the CEO of Wesgro, the Tourism, Trade & Investment Promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. During the more than six years that he led the agency it was regarded by the World Bank as the best sub-national agency in Africa.
Graham Hutchinson Managing Director of Burnstone
Graham Hutchinson Managing Director of Burnstone I have been Managing Director of South Africa at the Burstone Group since October 2023. Prior to this, I was Managing Director of South Africa at Investec Property Fund (IPF), which rebranded as the Burstone Group in 2023. Having joined Investec more than ten years ago, I have been fortunate to witness and be part of the growth and evolution of Investec Property Fund, which has now rebranded as the Burstone Group. Burstone is a fully integrated international real estate business investing in best-in-class assets in select markets, including South Africa. My skill set, which is a balance between pure property and financial skills, has allowed me to play a role in defining and implementing business and building strategies. I am passionate about being part of and leading a great team, building a great business, and playing our role in the growth of the South African economy.
Gavin Johnston Partner at PWC
Gavin Johnston Partner at PWC Passionate about purpose and making a difference. I love what I do. Gavin is a partner at PwC, where he leads the Workforce Productivity and Performance business for Africa. He has over 17 years of experience in helping organisations improve their operational efficiency, customer experience, and revenue growth through lean and agile transformations. He is also a global relationship partner, managing the strategic and long-term partnership between PwC and two multinational clients. As a results-focused, purpose-driven, and people-oriented leader, Gavin thrives on building strong client relationships and bringing out the best in his teams. He has successfully created and grown new business capabilities for PwC, both in the UK and Africa, based on his international and cross-sector expertise. He has delivered multiple large and complex business improvement programmes, achieving 15-30% productivity uplifts and significant value creation for his clients. He is passionate about developing operational leaders and employees who can innovate and solve problems in a connected, resilient, and agile way.
Mark Kallkwarf CEO of ATYPICAL
Mark Kallkwarf CEO of ATYPICAL I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in the 80s and had a pretty ‘normal’ upbringing with my two older siblings. After finishing school, I was encouraged to get into technology by my dad who owned his own software development company for many years. I worked as a software developer for a bit but slowly gravitated towards a role that allowed me to explore my creativity and be more people-facing. I found this in marketing. I moved to Cape Town in 2007 with my wife and had three kids (bgb). In 2018 I started ATYPICAL and finally scratched the entrepreneurial itch that was passed on to me from my father. When I am not ‘being a CEO’, I’m trying to be a good husband and dad. When I need to clear my head, I’m either taking photographs, walking in the forest, reading, or exploring some other hobby that has caught the attention of my ADHD brain.
Anne Keppler Regional Director Southern Africa of DEG
Anne Keppler Regional Director Southern Africa of DEG Anne Keppler is Regional Director Southern Africa for DEG based in Johannesburg. Together with the local team and colleagues in Cologne she is responsible for originating, executing and managing DEG’s debt and equity investments in the region. The regional office provides debt or equity funding solutions to corporate clients, private equity funds, project finance transactions and Financial Institutions. Before assuming this role in June 2018 she has been working as Vice President for DEGs Private Equity team since June 2010 and is already based in Johannesburg since 2011. Prior to joining DEG’s PE team Anne has been part of DEGs Financial Services team working on debt and equity transactions since 2005 and worked as credit analyst for financial institutions at WestLB in Germany.
Andrew Kusewa Kilonzi Director & Principal Architect of Boogertman and Partners Architects Andrew Kusewa Kilonzi is the Director at Boogertman + Partners Architects. Andrew holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon.
Thomas Meyer Senior Investment Manager at DEG
Thomas Meyer Senior Investment Manager at DEG Experienced Senior Investment Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services- and development industries. Skilled in Impact Investing, Structured Finance, Risk Management, Derivatives, Financial Analysis, and Commodity Markets. Strong finance professional with Degrees in Finance & Banking, Investment- and portfolio management, Accounting/Auditing, Law and Theology. Specific specializations in Impact- and Environmental Finance.
Dexter Moren Founding Partner at Studio Moren
Dexter Moren Founding Partner at Studio Moren Dexter is recognised as an industry leader in the hospitality sector and received the AHEAD
Thomas Mundy Head of Capital Markets Strategy & Research at JLL
Thomas Mundy Head of Capital Markets Strategy & Research at JLL Tom has over 12 years of industry experience in political, macroeconomic and investment analysis. Prior to joining the Sub-Sahara office Tom was a director of JLL’s EMEA Capital Markets research and strategy team in London. His experience includes chief strategist for Russia’s largest private bank. Tom’s career includes providing policy advise to the central bank and government of Russia as well as Kazakhstan.
Ruth Okal Assistant General Manager at ICEA LION Asset Management Limited
Ruth Okal Assistant General Manager at ICEA LION Asset Management Limited Ruth is a seasoned investment expert with a wealth of experience in the Real Estate industry. Her experience in the industry spans 17 years having worked in different sections of the Real Estate industry such as valuation, property management, REIT management, portfolio management, agency, listed real estate, capital raising and fund administration. Ruth was instrumental in setting up and managing the first listed Real Estate Investment Trust in East Africa, then STANLIB Fahari I-REIT, and later ILAM Fahari I-REIT. She has also served in various capacities as an advisor at industry and policymaking levels on developing interventions meant to transform the Real Estate Investment space and deepen the capital markets in Kenya. Ruth is the current chairperson of the Policy, Research and Publications (PPR) Sub-Committee of the REIT Association of Kenya (RAK), a Board Member at the Valuers Registration Board and an examiner for the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK). Ruth has also held various speaking and investor education engagements as part of her strategic professional development initiatives and giving back to society.
Henning Rasmus Founder of Datascape Architects Africa Hi! I'm Henning Rasmuss. As the founder of Datascape Architects Africa, I am committed to revolutionising the Data Centre industry across the continent to match and surpass global standards. My career spans over two decades, during which I've worked in various challenging environments from Angola to Brazil, handling projects from Data Centre initiatives to Corporate Headquarters and Mixed-Use Developments. Since 2012, I've led efforts in 23 African nations, leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance decision-making and strengthen teams. Our projects not only bridge the digital divide but also incorporate a deep appreciation for the cultural, legal, and communicative nuances vital for success in diverse markets. My passion extends beyond professional pursuits; I am deeply fascinated by Africa's rich history and geopolitical dynamics, which influence today's design principles. I believe in combining a rigorous understanding of technical complexity with a unique empathy for cultural nuances, ensuring all projects exceed expectations. An annual visitor to AfrikaBurn, I practise principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and civic responsibility. My perspective is continually shaped by a diverse range of authors, from Italo Calvino to Kwame Nkrumah, enriching my worldview and approach to both life and work.
Jean-Baptiste Recher Regional VP Development Luxury Brands at Accor
Jean-Baptiste Recher Regional VP Development Luxury Brands at Accor As RVP Development Luxury Brands MEAT, Jean-Baptiste oversees the development activities of the Accor Group in over 75 countries for Accor luxury, ultra luxury and resorts brands including Orient Express, Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Emblems, MGallery and Mantis. He has been instrumental in driving the Group’s organic growth over the last eight years and in particular in Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Jean-Baptiste’s wealth of experience spans over a decade within leading companies including Marriott and JLL. His senior leadership roles covered several disciplines from real estate advisory, feasibility studies to asset management and operation across France, the United Kingdom and the Middle East and Africa region. In his previous role, Jean-Baptiste worked for JLL, a leading real estate advisory firm. In this key leadership role, he was responsible for conducting market research, financial modeling, feasibility studies, asset valuation and operator selection. Jean-Baptiste has an MBA in International Hospitality Management from ESSEC Business School, Paris, France as well as a Masters of Hotel and Tourism Management from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Skye Revell COO at ATYPICAL
Skye Revell COO at ATYPICAL Growing up I wanted to be an actress or a psychologist. Then I realized I wasn’t the next Charlize, that the film industry wasn’t as glamorous as it seems, and that my inner empath wasn’t cut out for psychiatry. Still desperately wanting to pursue something creative that could marry my love for entertainment with my fascination for the human mind and the things that make us tick, I discovered (and fell in love with) the power of marketing and so began my career. Fast forward a few years and I met Mark, he pitched starting ATYPICAL (I thought he was nuts but hell, why not) and the rest is, well… here we are! I try keep the crazy contained and manage the wild ideas that our agency (and Mark) come up with and I love every minute of it. When I’m not in the office, you can probably find me soaking up the sun with a good book, eating something delicious, trying to run it off, or convincing my husband that bodyboarders are as cool as surfers.
Tope Runsewe Managing Director of Dutum Company Limited
Tope Runsewe Managing Director of Dutum Company Limited As Managing Director at Dutum Company Limited, the focus has been on spearheading private sector operations to scale construction ventures and drive strategic business expansion. Our team has successfully navigated complex contract negotiations and project management, leveraging analytical skills to ensure profitable outcomes. Co-founding Stonebricks Development Limited, we've positioned the firm at the forefront of affordable luxury real estate, with a clear vision for transformative community development. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the cultivation of strategic partnerships and innovative business planning that resonate with our mission to redefine industry standards.
Danny Saksenberg Chief AI Officer at EMERGE
Danny Saksenberg Chief AI Officer at EMERGE Danny started his career as an actuary working at the Southern Africa Actuarial Consultants and
Glyn Taylor CEO of Oasis Life
Glyn Taylor CEO of Oasis Life Experienced leader with a exemplary history of working in the Hospitality sector. Skilled in all spheres of Hotel Management. Strong development, technical and pre-opening skills with an intimate understanding of delivering shareholder return whilst nurturing human capital from within.
Bradley Wentzel Chief Financial Officer at SPARK Schools
Bradley Wentzel Chief Financial Officer at SPARK Schools Conscious and authentic leader. Out the box thinker, innovator, and strategic minded individual who loves a challenge. Passion for numbers, grower of people, expert in manufacturing and retail combined with some entrepreneurial spirit. Lover of investments and sports. Filled with grit and a passion to impact lives in our great country.
Marthle du Plessis Partner at PWC
Marthle du Plessis Partner at PWC Marthle du Plessis is a Partner in PwC Consulting and Risk Services and leads the Workforce of the Future Platform across Africa. Together with her global counterparts, Marthle works cross industry supporting Executive teams with large scale transformational programmes. Her area of expertise span strategy led operating model design coupled by purpose driven workforce optimisation initiatives. She is furthermore a facilitator in PwC’s global flagship leadership development programme: “Leaders solving for tomorrow” working with leadership on identifying the impact of the megatrends on businesses as well as crafting strategies to best prepare for it.
Richard von Kalmar Partner at Senga Bay Capital
Richard von Kalmar Partner at Senga Bay Capital Dr. Richard von Kalmar is a Founder and Partner at Senga Bay Capital, a strategy and financial advisory firm involved in projects across Europe and Africa. Richard asset manages a hotel in Milan and has worked on the development and financing of hotels in South Africa, Germany, Nigeria and Morocco. Richard also serves on the board of Wahed Inc., a Sharia-compliant investment platform and fund manager and is an Advisor to several other businesses. Richard was born in Germany and spent his childhood in Italy, Lebanon, Malawi, South Africa and the United Kingdom, where he completed his education with an MBA and a Doctorate from Cranfield University.
