The ApexHi portfolio has grown from a mere R267-million in 2001 to a substantial R4-billion at end March 2005, yet this phenomenal growth has been executed by a small team of eight people at the ApexHi head office.

The growth of the company has necessitated some additions to the tightly run ship, with two specialist market leaders coming on board to focus on “sweating the assets”.

David Rice, who has run the property management of the ApexHi portfolio at Broll for some three and half years, will move from Broll to ApexHi and take up the position of asset manager for the commercial and industrial portfolio. Rice will be responsible for some 60% of the ApexHi portfolio, amounting to more than 1,194,000m2, and will focus on letting vacant space through innovative deals, renewing leases, tenant liaison – especially with Government – and ensuring the properties are run efficiently and economically. Rice has an excellent understanding of the ApexHi portfolio, and will add a strategic layer to the team.

Rael Abromowitz, who has developed a reputation for his retail expertise joins ApexHi in mid June to manage the 830,000m2 retail portfolio. His overall knowledge in all facets relating to retail property will be invaluable, especially as ApexHi’s weighting in retail increases. Apart from his experience, Abromowitz’s rapport with existing and potential retailers should stand him in good stead to fill the vacant retail space.