He will join the board as a non-executive director.  The appointment of the hospitality industry specialist is set to strengthen QPG’s board and boost capacity to roll-out the group’s hospitality real estate strategy.

An accountant by profession, Abdul-Karrim has accumulated extensive experience as a senior consultant in the hospitality industry in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Middle East regions for more than 5 years.  He is the managing director of Pam Golding Tourism & Hospitality Consulting (Pty) Limited and is also a non-executive director of Hospitality Property Fund Limited. He holds a B.Compt from UNISA, a PDM from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA from Bond University.

QPG Executive Chairman Chaim Cohen says Abdul-Karrim’s proven ability to project the feasibility, configuration and positioning of new hotel developments will be a valuable asset for QPG and a competitive advantage over peers.  He says: “Abdul-Karrim’s understanding of the hospitality industry extends to market conditions and allied issues such as the state of the tourism industry, and is underpinned by financial and strategic marketing skills.  The combination of these factors makes him an invaluable addition to QPG’s board.”

The new appointment fits well with the existing board.  Key executive directors each have established track records of property development and portfolio management, together having developed a number of Johannesburg’s landmark projects totalling in excess of R4 billion to date.

‘15 on Orange’ is QPG’s first development and encompasses an opulent 5-star hotel, 12 high-end penthouses, 2 467m² of boutique retail and a 4-storey parking garage. Set to surpass competing hotel offerings in the region and raise the bar on modern, hi-tech luxury, the ‘15 on Orange’ Hotel will be the flagship in the Africa Pride Superior Deluxe Hotels Collection. Situated on the corner of Grey’s Pass and Orange Street, it is adjacent to the Company Gardens and High Court in prime position to attract corporate executives and the legal fraternity. The Hotel will cater to all executive needs and in addition to superior dining and entertainment options, will offer extensive in-house conference facilities.

QPG listed on AltX in October 2008 in a drive to accumulate a quality investment-grade property portfolio which will focus on trophy properties in prime urban locations. Leveraging its experience across all sectors of the property industry, its wide network of property professionals and the expertise and capability of its board members, QPG intends to accumulate a portfolio that will generate capital growth for shareholders over the long-term.