Company Announcement - Attacq, the pioneering JSE-listed capital growth property fund, has appointed accomplished property professional Pete Mackenzie as Head of Development, effective from 1 January 2016. This new position highlights Attacq’s strategic focus on development and will grow its skills base with the leadership of a seasoned property development and investment professional. Mackenzie has over 25 years’ experience in the property construction, development and investment industries, in a career that includes a progression of senior positions with performance-driven companies. Prior to joining Attacq, Mackenzie ran his own development business, MacEagle Properties. Before this he was the Managing Director of JSE AltX listed Vunani Properties, and was part of the team that grew the business from its inception to become a respected player in the South African property environment, over a decade. Preceding his role at Vunani, Mackenzie was Managing Director of Pegasus 111 Properties, the development arm of the Corovest Property Group.

Mackenzie holds a BSc Building Management Degree from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from Wits Business School. He has completed the South African Property Owners Association Property Development Programme at the University of Cape Town’s Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, Morné Wilken, CEO of Attacq, says: “Pete’s experience in property development and in the listed property sector gives him a solid platform for the task of overseeing all of Attacq’s developments. We welcome Pete and look forward to the skills and insight he brings to Attacq. His long record of professional achievement, positions Pete to make a valuable contribution to the Attacq team and Exco,” says Wilken. Attacq’s business has two focus areas: investments and developments. Its investments provide stable income and balance sheet strength to responsibly secure and fund high-growth opportunities within developments. Wilken explains that as one of Attacq’s core focus areas, its developments require the dedicated attention of a knowledgeable professional who can grow a nimble development team within the business.

In addition, Attacq’s development model includes partnering with a number of reputable developers. “It is critical for us to manage these relationships optimally, and this is where Pete will play a key role. He will also oversee the all-important planning of the infrastructure of Attacq’s flagship Waterfall City, the timing of its roll-out and its urban design.”

The new role goes beyond developments to include innovations in resource efficiency, sustainability and the greening of Attacq’s developments, as well as identifying new development opportunities, and updating and upgrading its investment property assets.

Mackenzie says: “It is an extremely exciting opportunity to work with a quality team on the best piece of real estate in South Africa. I would like to ensure that whatever developments Attacq undertakes, we create buildings we can be proud of. I am committed to building a team that makes people stand up and take note of Attacq, and Waterfall in particular, for its development excellence.” 

As a leading property capital growth fund, Attacq’s investments encompass landmark commercial and retail property assets and developments. Attacq’s prime portfolio of properties is geographically diverse across South Africa and includes its Waterfall mega development, which is situated in the center of Gauteng between the Allandale and Buccleuch interchange. Internationally, Attacq has a growing representation and investments into Europe via its 46% stake in MAS Real Estate Inc and direct property investments in Cyprus and Serbia. Attacq also holds a 31.25% shareholding in AttAfrica, with a dedicated retail focus in sub-Saharan Africa.