Marelise de Lange has been appointed CFO for Accelerate Property Fund from August 1. Picture: SUPPLIED
In a predominantly male-dominated industry, De Lange is one of few women who has held executive and board positions for JSE-listed companies including Texton and Rebosis Property Fund. During the reporting period, of the top 100 JSE-listed companies, those companies led by women CEOs rose from 5% in 2021 to 8%. The listed property sector has two women CEOs — Amelia Beattie of Liberty Two Degrees, owner of assets such as Sandton City, and Jackie van Niekerk of Attacq, which owns Mall of Africa and Waterfall City precinct.
Masinga stepped into the interim CEO role in December 2022 after the resignation of Siyabonga Mbanjwa, who had been in the position for less than a year. She said the board had escalated and was expediting the appointment of the CFO.De Lange said that the role of CFO evolved over the past 10 years. They are now more involved in the business than before. They now also have to focus on strategy, risk mitigation, technology advancements and be up to date with changes in the regulatory environment.
“Investors are looking for the best returns and sustainability before investing their hard-earned money.” tenacity, consistency and showing up every day were essential to her success. Her inspiration comes from seeing how other people deal with difficult situations and celebrate successes.Schneider and Dawid Wandrag who joined in November 2022 when nonexecutive director Michael Georgiou, stepped down as CEO.
“De Lange brings a depth of financial and property experience to Accelerate — she is an excellent addition to the team that will drive the group’s new strategy to unlock shareholder value, including through a disposal and asset optimisation strategy,” said Schneider.Accelerate has been selling properties in its strategy to optimise its assets and growth plans. This is where De Lange’s experience will be needed.