Emira Property Fund appoints new CEO

Emira Property Fund appoints Geoff Jennett, currently chief financial officer and an executive director of Emira, as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 September 2015.

James Templeton and Geoff Jennett (left to right)

Ben van der Ross, Chairman of the Emira Board of Directors, comments: “Geoff’s skills in structuring and deal-making, as well as his strong financial and strategic understanding, make him well suited for the CEO role. In addition, Geoff benefits from the excellent existing knowledge of Emira.”

Van der Ross adds: “The Emira Board acknowledges and thanks James for his dedication and contribution as CEO since July 2004. We wish him well in his future endeavours.” Templeton announced his resignation in June 2015, to pursue personal interests outside of the listed property sector.

The appointment of a new chief financial officer is underway and an announcement is expected to be made in the near future. The Emira Board acknowledges and thanks Mr James Templeton for his dedication and contribution as Chief Executive Officer since July 2004 and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Mr Jennett, who joined Emira on 1 November 2014, has significant business and financial experience, having been in various investment banking and other businesses since 1994 (FNB Corporate, Coronation Capital, Nedbank Capital and Absa Capital), including leadership roles at a smaller unlisted company.

His skills in structuring and deal-making, as well as his strong financial and strategic understanding, make him well suited for the CEO role.

Emira is a JSE-listed SA REIT (real estate investment trust) invested in a quality diversified portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties. Its assets comprise 148 properties valued at R12.5 billion. Emira is also internationally diversified through its direct interest in ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ), valued over R700 million, with total assets now at R13.5 billion.