Jeffrey Wapnick, Managing Director of Octodec.
Sharon Wapnick, Chair of Octodec
Riaan Erasmus
Incoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Octodec
A dual role created as the REIT positions itself for growth
JSE-listed REIT, Octodec Investments Limited (“Octodec”), announced changes to its leadership in line with its long-term succession plan aimed at growing the business sustainably.
Following the April 2024 announcement of the appointment of Riaan Erasmus as the incoming executive financial director and debt officer of Octodec, the Board is pleased to inform stakeholders that Riaan will with effect from 30 November 2024, also assume the position of deputy chief executive officer of Octodec.
In this new role, Riaan will be employed full-time by Octodec, specifically focusing on optimising the group’s property portfolio and assessing the merits of the internalisation of the asset and property management services currently provided by City Property. These responsibilities will sit alongside his primary duties as executive financial director and debt officer.
Sharon Wapnick, Chair of Octodec, said: “Succession planning has been a large focus over the last few years as we continue to plan the sustainable growth and future success of Octodec. The Board is confident in Riaan’s ability to seamlessly transition into this new dual role, providing the necessary expertise and continuity required by Octodec.”
Riaan graduated from the University of Northwest and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) in 2008 after completing his articles with KPMG South Africa. He has extensive experience serving as an executive director, having previously held the positions of group financial manager, treasury manager and later, debt officer and financial director of Hospitality Property Fund Limited, a REIT that was listed on the JSE until 2021. In addition, Riaan served as the group treasurer managing the debt portfolio and other treasury-related transactions for the Tsogo Sun and Southern Sun group of companies from 2017 until 2022.
“Riaan has a keen passion for, and understanding of not only property, but the unique composition of Octodec’s business, and is the right person to take the portfolio to new heights. I look forward to Riaan’s contribution in his new capacity as he prepares to ultimately succeed me,” said Jeffrey Wapnick, Managing Director of Octodec.