Bringing with him over 10 years' experience in general management in South Africa and other sub-Saharan African countries and over 20 years' professional experience, new SAPOA President Samuel Ogbu is set to lead the representative body with a keen focus and passion for the property sector.
“The appointment of Ogbu as president of SAPOA will inject a fresh boost into the body with his respected professional knowledge, energetic personality and a deep commitment to actively encouraging others,” notes Neil Gopal, SAPOA CEO.
“We are confident that Ogbu will not only meet SAPOA’s mandate, but also reflect it to our stakeholders in a positive and comprehensive manner.”
Ogbu is currently Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Group Properties, one of South Africa’s leading property groups which owns and manages such prestigious assets as Sandton City Shopping Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and Eastgate among others. He is a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant and completed his training with Price Waterhouse in London, and also holds an MBA from Wits Business School.
“I look forward to proactively taking on the challenges associated with the position of President and I am dedicated to pursuing the vision and goals of SAPOA in representing the collective voice of the property industry” says Ogbu. “The key focus areas during my appointment, amongst others, will include research, legislation and advocacy, education, best practice and industry thought leadership”.
Prior to joining Liberty, Ogbu was Head of Large Corporate Business at Old Mutual South Africa. He was previously an Executive Director with Sage Life where his responsibilities included marketing, organisational development and Sage Unit Trusts. Ogbu is also a past Executive Director of Africa Media Group overseeing TV Africa’s business in East, West and Southern Africa. Following a successful career in accounting and management consulting in London, Ogbu moved to South Africa in 1998 with SAB Miller during which time he headed the company’s business in Soweto, one of Africa’s most dynamic and exciting consumer markets.
SAPOA’s mandate includes representing the interests of the property industry, attracting skills and knowledge to the property industry as well as creating and developing skills and knowledge through education and professional development.
As a source of essential information, statistics and trends to its members as well as those outside of the property industry, from government to the media, SAPOA ensures that the property sector enjoys good relationships and recognition on all levels.
SAPOA was established in 1966 by the leading and large property investment organisations to bring together all role players in the commercial property field and to create a powerful platform for property investors. Today SAPOA members control about 90% of all commercial and industrial property in South Africa, with a combined portfolio in excess of R150 billion.
The representative body is held in high esteem by the relevant sectors of government and are therefore consulted on all matters pertaining to the property industry. SAPOA also enjoys representation on key South African bodies, which are essential to the country's property development.
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