Our Founder,
Alon Kirkel.
BCom ACC and HR
As an investor, Alon sees opportunity in times of uncertainty.
“Deep within the heart of chaos lies opportunity. Mismanagement, distress and cash constraints coupled with geo-political crisis and high interest rates reveal these opportunities” says Kirkel.
2024
Launch of VBI
2022
Fairvest Limited Reit Merger
Chief Operating Officer
Appointed Chief Operating Officer, following merger with Arrowhead REIT, of R15 billion Rand ($750 million) real estate fund. Oversaw and managed the sale of 160 non-core office assets and the transformation of Fairvest to a high quality, retail-focused fund.
2019
Arrowhead Limited Reit Merger
Chief Investment Officer
Appointed Chief Investment Officer, following merger with Gemgrow Properties REIT, forming a R12 billion Rand ($600 million) real estate fund. The merger gave us the ability to further build on our portfolio and build an even greater retail presence particularly in under-serviced areas.
2017
Acquired Majority Outlying Retail
From 2017 – 2022 sold 160 buildings (predominantly offices) and dismantled the Historic Apexhi portfolio.
2016
Launched Gemgrow Properties Limited Reit
Chief Operating Officer
Appointed Chief Operating Officer of newly listed REIT on Johannesburg Stock Exchange and grew assets to R2.4 billion ($120m). We saw an opportunity to pivot out of office and into retail grocer anchored assets with national retail tenants.
2014
Acquired 12,000sqm logistics facility
2013
Acquired Rand Envelope in liquidation
2012
Acquired Augusthouse "The Artist Playground"
2001
Joined Steinmetz
Head of Southern Africa Operations
Right hand to the CEO and Head of Southern Africa Operations of the world’s largest rough diamond trader and which has a contract to acquire the majority of all rough diamonds mined by De Beers.
Alon acquired the 300 carat diamond in the picture for the group in 2010.
Alon has been successful in pivoting and restructuring businesses to align to an evolving landscape.
Human capital, balance sheet management and disciplined capital allocation have been fundamental to ensuring the success of Alon’s most recent projects.