The visionary founder of the Orion Group, and has played a vital role in shaping and growing Orion Real Estate (Pty) Ltd and Orion Hotels and Resorts. With a remarkable background in accounting evidenced by his recognition as one of the top ten students in the Chartered Accountants examination in 1983, Franz’s financial expertise is unparalleled. This expertise, combined with his leadership prowess, has driven the Orion Group to evolve into a multifaceted and thriving enterprise. Since the establishment of Orion Real Estate in 1991 under his direction, the company has witnessed tremendous growth. His entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach have been fundamental in expanding the Orion Hotels division, which now boasts a portfolio  of six prestigious hotels.

Dr. Antoinette De Villiers completed her  B. Cur Degree and thereafter her Master’s Degree, as well as her PhD  at the Rand Afrikaans University, where after she lectured at Potchefstroom University for a number of years, continuing her journey then lecturing as Professor at The Rand Afrikaans university for a number of years, producing Many articles and Textbooks. In 2003, she Joined the Orion Group as HR director and was part of the journey in achieving TOP Employer for 6 years where coaching played a huge role in achieving this Enormous award. She and her Partner Dr.Sandra Perkins Presented Many articles nationally and internationally on the value of team coaching within Organisations, being the first within South Africa, She also Studied Graphology for 8 years and qualified through the AAHA , being the vice president of Region 7 ( Sub Saharan Africa) for a few years. She received Business woman of the year award as runner up in 2022 and also international people of recognition award in Business. Many amounts of courses were completed to add to her vase and intense knowledge of the Psychic of people, as well as being part of the running of a business and corporates structure. She is also well trained in Strategic Management and ran Many Strategy sessions for corporate organisations and government departments. Currently, she and her partner has been running the internal Annual Strategic sessions for the Orion group. She has formal training as a business and Life coach, receiving a Masters coaching qualification through UNISA, and then a full diploma in Ontological coaching through the Newfield University in the UK. She specialises in Team coaching and has been practising this for more than 20 years. She Became the CEO of the Hotel Division on the 01st July 2020 and has been looking after the properties with an eye of detail, mastering many refurb projects, as well as innovative ideas, carefully researching what the current trends are after the Covid 19 Epidemic hit the hospitality environment with a great shock.

Johan embarked on his professional journey in the retail industry, joining the esteemed Edcon Group in 1992. Rising rapidly through the ranks, Johan’s operational acumen was evident as he took the role of General Manager for flagship operations like Southgate, Westgate, Cresta, Menlyn Park, and Eastgate, managing impressive budgets reaching up to R1bn. Venturing out to realize his ambition of being a supermarket proprietor, he transitioned in 2008, uniting his love for property with his career. At the Old Mutual Group, he provided expert consultation on the Triangle Fund portfolio, encompassing flagship properties like Gateway and Menlyn Park. As his reputation grew, prominent clients like SACRE, Growthpoint, Hyprop, Sasol Pension Fund, Retail Africa, and various private equity funds sought his insights. In 2015 he was appointed as General Manager of Eastgate Shopping Centre. Entrusted with a significant R640m upgrade and redevelopment, he ensured its successful completion by 2018.

Completing his B. Comm Acc. And B. Compy 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. 

Leon’s journey with the Orion Group commenced in early 2021, stepping into the crucial role of Financial Director/Chief Financial Officer. He plays an instrumental role in rejuvenating the financial department, integrating operational and financial systems, strategizing refinancing across business units, and tirelessly driving the Orion Group towards enduring profitability and sustainability.

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 Orion Apartments. Nadia is excited to return to Orion and make a valuable contribution to the company.