Barry Stuhler, the visionary co-founder of Resilient REIT Limited, a prominent South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) alongside Des de Beer, has been the driving force behind the success of several investment property firms in South Africa.
With more than 30 years of experience in property management and real estate investment, Stuhler’s impact on the industry is unmatched. His journey reflects South Africa’s enduring business landscape, consistently creating value and wealth for stakeholders.
Under his leadership, the acquisition of 65 properties from various vendors in 2004 significantly expanded Property Fund managers’ holdings to 120 and increased market capitalization from R425 million ($22.55 million) to R1.2 billion ($63.7 million).
Stuhler remains a key figure among South Africa’s esteemed entrepreneurs, with his business expertise and visionary leadership shaping the path of Lighthouse Properties, solidifying its position as a top direct property provider.
In November 2020, Stuhler retired and relocated to Sydney to be with his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable success in the South African real estate sector.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and documented various companies and holdings associated with Stuhler. Below, we present seven companies where he wields substantial influence through significant ownership stakes or influential board positions.
Lighthouse Properties Plc, headquartered in Malta, is a global investment powerhouse. Originally known as Lighthouse Capital Limited, the company underwent a strategic rebranding in December 2021, signaling a dedicated focus on direct property assets and listed real estate and infrastructure securities. With a widespread presence in France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, Lighthouse Properties Plc boasts an extensive portfolio, including valuable retail assets. Stuhler owns a substantial stake of 10.19 percent in the Malta-based property giant.
A key subsidiary of Fortress Real Estate Investments Ltd., Capital Property Fund specializes in providing investors with access to property-based income streams and the potential for long-term capital growth. Since its inception in 2012, this entity has consistently delivered impressive property-based returns to investors, weathering various phases of the property cycle. Notably, Stuhler serves as the managing director of Capital Property Fund.
Co-founded by Des de Beer and Stuhler 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 ($765.27 million), Resilient REIT owns and manages an impressive portfolio of 27 shopping centers spanning South Africa, France, and Nigeria. Beyond this, Stuhler plays a significant role as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Resilient Property Income Fund Ltd, solidifying his influence among South Africa’s distinguished entrepreneurs.
Pangbourne Properties Limited operates as a dynamic property investment company. Its services encompass investment, ownership, operation, management, rental, redevelopment, and refurbishment of properties. Stuhler’s journey with Pangbourne Properties Limited began in 2007, when he joined its board as an executive director. He later ascended to the role of managing director, overseeing the company’s operations from 2008 to 2015. During this time, he held a 0.04 percent stake, equivalent to 1,972,329 ordinary shares, before Pangbourne Properties merged into Property Fund Managers.
- Property Fund Managers (PFM)
Stuhler transitioned from his executive director roles at Resilient and Pangbourne to become the managing director of Property Fund Managers Limited. Following the merger with Pangbourne, he was re-appointed as managing director of Property Fund Managers. Additionally, Stuhler serves as a Non-Executive Director at Property Fund Managers Ltd.
Established in 2009 and headquartered in vibrant Johannesburg, Fortress Real Estate Investments Ltd. is a multifaceted player engaged in the development of logistic warehousing, retail centers, and strategic offshore investments. Fortress expertly manages a staggering $44.7 billion in assets on behalf of more than 1,900 institutional clients and private investors worldwide. Its offerings span a diverse range of credit and real estate, private equity, and permanent capital investment strategies. Stuhler’s presence extends to the management board at Fortress Real Estate Investments.
Stuhler’s involvement in the real estate sector led him to join the board of Rockcastle Global Real Estate Co. Ltd. Over time, this evolved into a transformative merger between Rockcastle Global Real Estate Co., Ltd and New Europe Property Investment, giving rise to NEPI Rockcastle. Renowned for its commercial property prowess, NEPI Rockcastle maintains a strong focus on dominant retail assets and offices in Romania. With a diverse investment portfolio valued at €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) as of December 2021, NEPI Rockcastle Plc commands a market capitalization of R20.3 billion ($1.06 billion) and exerts a significant presence in nine countries.
