WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE required resilience , especially in Africa . During and through this turbulent period , she led Attacq with distinction , demonstrating her extensive knowledge and expertise within the property industry .
To mark the evolution of Africa . com ' s Definitive List of Women CEOs , now in its third year , Africa . com researched and analysed 2,020 listed companies on Africa ' s 24 stock exchanges . The companies were screened for revenue of $ 100 million or more or a market cap of $ 150 million or more , which yielded a list of 787 companies . The public websites of these 787 companies were examined to determine those women with the title of chief executive officer , managing director , or president and to confirm that these executives have a bottom line , profit and loss responsibility .
Michelle Dickens – Deputy CEO , PayProp
Michelle Dickens began her illustrious career as a property manager and soon realised there needed to be a solution for tenants ’ persistently poor payment performance .
In 2000 , she revolutionised the rental industry when she cofounded South Africa ’ s only property-specific credit bureau , TPN , at just 24 years old . As CEO , she grew TPN ’ s database to serve as an authority on tenant payment behaviour . During the pandemic , Michelle initiated a free training programme to promote female representation in the industry and empower young women through meaningful business education .
Michelle joined PayProp as Deputy CEO in October 2022 , and in just five months had blazed a trail reenergising the company ’ s sales and marketing activity . She was named CEO in March 2023 with the challenging but well-resourced goal of accelerating PayProp ’ s growth in one of its most competitive markets .
Under Michelle ’ s leadership , PayProp is refocusing its value proposition as an in-bank transacting FinTech platform with a proven track record of enabling on average 29 % client business growth in the first year .
Michelle says that the South African rental market is a stable , growing market in terms of the number of tenants . As the housing
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JULY / AUG 2023 20