Des de Beer, a prominent property tycoon and influential business executive, stands among South Africa’s wealthiest individuals, pivotal in shaping the nation’s real estate landscape.
As the co-founder of Resilient REIT Limited, a leading South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), he has guided the company since its 2002 listing. After achieving remarkable financial milestones with Resilient, de Beer plans to retire by December 2023 after a series of successes.
Additionally, he founded New Europe Property Investments Plc and its successor, NEPI Rockcastle Plc. Notably, he holds the largest individual shareholder position in Lighthouse Capital Limited, a global investment firm focusing on property and real estate securities.
Currently serving as CEO, MD, and executive director of Resilient REIT Ltd., de Beer maintains his role in driving the company’s growth. He is also the chairman of CoreShares Index Tracker Managers (RF) Pty Ltd.
Boasting an impressive resume, he has held roles such as general manager of corporate equity at Nedcor Investment Bank Holdings Ltd., bond manager at Barclays Private Bank & Trust Ltd. (Jersey), president of The Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and independent non-executive director at NEPI Rockcastle NV.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and cataloged various companies and holdings linked to de Beer. Here are five companies where he holds direct or indirect ownership:
Incorporated in the Isle of Man, NEPI Plc is a renowned commercial property company with a strong focus on dominant retail assets and offices in Romania. Under de Beer’s strategic guidance as an independent non-executive Director since 2008, NEPI Plc has become a major player in the Central and Eastern European retail real estate market. With a diverse investment portfolio worth €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) as of December 2021, NEPI Plc has a market capitalization of R20.3 billion ($1.06 billion) and a remarkable presence in nine countries.
Headquartered in Sliema, Malta, Lighthouse Properties Plc has solidified its position as a global investment player under de Beer’s ownership. Originally known as Lighthouse Capital Limited, the company was rebranded in December 2021 to reflect its focus on direct property assets and listed real estate and infrastructure securities. Operating across France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, Lighthouse Properties Plc boasts a substantial portfolio that includes retail assets. With de Beer owning a notable 16.14-percent stake, the company continues to thrive on the Main Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Founded by de Beer in 2002, Resilient REIT has evolved into a prominent retail real estate investment trust listed on the JSE. With a remarkable market capitalization of R14.5 billion ($764 million), Resilient REIT owns and manages an impressive portfolio of 27 shopping centers across South Africa, France, and Nigeria. De Beer’s strategic vision has driven Resilient to invest in Hammerson and Lighthouse Properties, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the real estate market.
De Beer’s influence extends beyond South Africa, as showcased by his investment in Hammerson Plc. Established in 1942, Hammerson is a distinguished British property development and investment enterprise. With a market capitalization of €1.3 billion, Hammerson focuses on sustainable urban real estate in the UK, Ireland, and France. Through his REIT, Resilient, de Beer invested R732 million ($38.53 million) in Hammerson in 2022, underscoring his commitment to strategic expansion and sustainable growth. He recently sold the stake leading to a commendable gain of R250.2 million ($13.16 million).
Trellidor Holdings Limited, headquartered in Durban, South Africa, is a pioneering investment holding company specializing in personalized barrier security solutions. Under de Beer’s ownership, the company has expanded its operations to the UK and Ghana, while maintaining its market dominance in South Africa. With a comprehensive range of security products and a presence in multiple countries, Trellidor Holdings remains a leader in the security solutions sector.
