Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa November 2014 | Page 14

MASTER INVESTOR

in Old Mutual becoming one of the largest private
property owners in South Africa. His focus on the
multiple aspects of the property chain creates value and
returns from every step of the property process.
Peter’s property fund management philosophy is
based on providing consistent long-term investment
performance. To this end he has a clear strategy that is
underpinned by strict investment criteria and a trusted
governance and compliance process.
In this way, he provides for long-term investment
horizons while maintaining short-term flexibility where
he is able to take advantage of opportunities in the
market boldly and rapidly – ensuring that he executes
investments that add value to his client portfolios.
Where it all started
Peter was born in November 1966. For as long as
he can remember, he wanted to become a Chartered
Accountant.
He matriculated from Diocesan College in 1984
with an ‘A’ aggregate, earning him a place in the top
six students in the country. Peter came top of his class
again, graduating in the top ten in 1987, when receiving
his undergraduate Bcom Degree.
A year later, he was also in the top ten after doing his
post-graduate diploma in Accounting in preparation
for the SA Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Board
examination. That same year he did his BCom
(Honours) and came in the second position in his class.
Peter passed the Board exam in 1989 and was qualified
to do his practical training (articles).
He then went on to do his Mcom dissertation,
investigating future emerging markets, and graduated
with distinction (cum laude). A year later in 1992,
Peter achieved his dream of becoming a Chartered
Accountant.
Peter was awarded his MBA with distinction in 1997.
His biggest academic achievements to date includes
receiving the top 1% ranked GMAT Score for Business
School and being awarded a gold medal for the top four
graduating MBA candidates at UCT.
He started his career as a junior accounting lecturer
at UCT in 1989 before becoming a senior auditor at
Deloitte Touche Chartered Accountants SA in the
early 90s.
At Deloitte, he planned and managed audits and
special projects, in addition to supervising staff.
He provided financial statement analysis, financial
management advice and computer analysis/advice.
Peter worked for major clients such as:
• AECI (industrials chemicals company)
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November 2014 SA Real Estate Investor

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Board of Executors (financial institution)
Oceana (fishing group)
Unifruco (fruit exporter)
Furngro (furniture retailer).

The Apprentice
It was in London, however, that Peter really made his
mark, working for six months at Smith New Court
Corporate Finance Ltd. (now Merrill Lynch) as a
junior investment banking advisor. He was involved
in a number of major investment banking transactions
including offers for Wilkes ( James) plc. by Petrocon
Group (now Beverly Group), the initial public offering
of MFI Furniture Group Limited and an offer for
Steeley plc. by Redland plc.
Once he was established in London, he began
working in the Investment Banking division at
Goldman Sachs International. While working there, he
assisted in all aspects of mergers and acquisitions for
key blue chip clients such as ICI, Zeneca, SmithKline,
Reckitt & Colman, Beecham, and Ahold.
Peter then brought his expertise acquired in London
and applied his skills, knowledge and experience to the
local South African industry.
The Old Mutual journey
When Peter returned home to South Africa, he began
his decade-long journey climbing the corporate ladder
at the Old Mutual Group. He started in 1997 as a
General Manager of Corporate Finance, working his
way up to become Head of Strategic Projects and
Business Development of the Old Mutual Investment
Group SA (OMIGSA) in 2007.
During this period he also served as Director of Old
Mutual Property, before joining the property investment
committee in 2004. Prior to joining OMIGSA, he
became Managing Director of OMIGSA’s Property
department.
While working as a General Manager, Peter was
an Assupol Life company representative on a number
of investment committees, including the OMIGPI
committee, the private equity committee and the credit
committee.
Key projects included the demutualisation and listing
of Old Mutual in 1999, the hostile offer for Standard
Bank by Nedcor in 2000, the acquisition of selected
wealth management businesses from BoE, the M&F
offer, and the Nedcor rights issue and BEE transaction.
Some of Peter’s most notable projects include
Portside; SA’s first five-star skyscraper built using green
specifications. Portside is the tallest high rise building
www.reimag.co.za