Board of Directors
Franz Gmeiner attained his B.Comm Accounting (Hons) and qualified as a Chartered Accountant CA (SA), ranking among the top ten students in the 1983 Chartered Accountants examination. Throughout his accountancy career, he became a partner in Cohen and Gmeiner Accountants, leading the firm to become one of the largest auditing entities in South Africa. In 1991, he founded a property company that has since evolved into Orion Real Estate Limited, Orion Hotels & Resorts, GI Holdings, Infinity Wellness Day Spa, and Genset Corporation. Franz's passion and tenacity for his business drive Orion to success every day.
CEO & Founder
Completing his B. Comm Acc. And B. Compt Hons CTA degrees in 1991, Leon has been a distinguished member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants since the conclusion of his articles. His diverse experience spans senior financial and managerial roles within prestigious entities across sectors such as Mining, Engineering, FMCG, and Business Support Services. Before his association with the Orion Group, Leon’s expertise shone through in business mergers, strategic planning, restructuring, refinancing, and launching new ventures in different regions of South Africa. Steering businesses and financial departments has been an integral facet of his professional journey.
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Theuns Oosthuizen is a distinguished practising attorney and sole practitioner at Oosthuizen’s (JHB) Attorneys. With a robust legal career, Mr. Oosthuizen has also served as a City Councillor for Johannesburg from 1987 to 2000, contributing to various committees both as a member and as Chairperson. In addition to his legal practice, he is a trustee for several family trusts and a director of multiple companies, including property holding firms. His extensive community involvement includes serving as a committee member or trustee with the Johannesburg 2nd Municipal Fund, the Bursary & Loans Committee at the University of Johannesburg, and the Witwatersrand Agricultural Society, Central Witwatersrand. Mr. Oosthuizen’s commitment to both his professional endeavours and community service reflects his dedication to making a positive impact in his field and beyond.
Independent Non-Executive Chairman
Theuns Oosthuizen
Dr. Antoinette de Villiers is the Chief Executive Officer of Orion Hotels and Resorts, and also a director of Orion Business Solutions. She completed her doctorate in Nursing Science in 1993 at Rand Afrikaans University. She is a Master Executive Coach and has extensive Coaching experience on Executive Committee and Board level. She has been Coaching for over fourteen years and has established an internal Coaching Programme for the Orion Group, where seventeen Teams are being Coached on a monthly basis. Dr. Antoinette de Villiers and a partner, have a Business Partner relationship with an LPL (Learning Performance Link), as well as the ETDP SETA, where they have established a Coaching Academy. She specialises in Team Coaching and has been Coaching internal and external Teams in organisations for more than 26 years.
Non-Executive Director
Nadia Buckley completed her BCom Undergraduate degree in 2012 followed by her Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing in 2013. She worked for the Orion group from 2014 to 2019 in the marketing department as Brand Manager of the hotel division and the Project manager for Stay Now Pay Later. Nadia recently returned to the Orion Group as the Head of Marketing for the Orion Group servicing Orion Real Estate, Genset Corporation, Orion Hotels, and Infinity Wellness Day Spa. Nadia is excited to return to Orion and add a valuable contribution to the company. Her involvement as an employee of the company will be held highly when it comes to her insights to the Board and its members.
Non-Executive Director
Ingrid Carstens completed her B.Comm in Law and Accounting in 2013, and her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2016. Mrs IA Carstens gained a certificate (with distinction) in Imports, Exports & Logistics. Ingrid is currently employed as a compliance officer for Provenance specialising in compliance for Cryptocurrency. Her vast array of knowledge in different fields makes her a valuable member of the Board.
Non-Executive Director
Franz Gmeiner Jnr completed his undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch University in 2016 and earned his honours in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from the University of Cape Town. He completed the CFA program by May 2022. Franz began his career with an internship at Anchor Capital in 2016, then worked at IG's trading desk in Johannesburg for three years. He later became a Premium Account Manager for IG in Australia and recently served as an Equity Trader at Sasfin. Now, Franz joins the Orion Real Estate board of directors, bringing his financial expertise and strategic insights to drive the company's growth and success.
Non-Executive Director
Dineo holds a Master's in Finance & Investments with research focused on co-integration and CIMA. Her career spans roles such as Investment Strategist, Asset Manager Research Analyst, Asset Consultant, and Business Development. She has also held senior finance positions in the motor and financial services industries. Dineo's experience includes investments, finance, general management, corporate governance, strategy, entrepreneurship, and business development. She is the CEO and co-founder of an asset management entity, a board member of two non-profits, and has served as a trustee in the Retirement Fund industry.
Non-Executive Director
Dawid Swart completed his Bachelor of Accounting Honours at the University of Stellenbosch in 2015 and became a Chartered Accountant (CA) (SA) in 2019 after completing his articles with PwC. He has completed CFA Level 2 and is working towards CFA Level 3. Dawid started his career at TecEx as a Product Development Manager for the Insurance division from 2019 to 2020. He then co-founded Amplify, providing financial consultancy services. Currently, Dawid is the Chief Financial Officer of Wetility, offering energy solutions in South Africa. Orion Real Estate welcomes him to the Board of Directors, where his expertise in finance and strategic development will be a valuable asset.
Non-Executive Director
