Leadership

Lew Geffen

Chairman

Lew Geffen has been in the real estate industry since 1972 and is recognised as one of the leading experts in property in South Africa. It was his determination and success at the flagship operation in greater Johannesburg, which served as the springboard for the rollout of the national brand that today boasts   throughout South Africa. Lew Geffen was responsible for negotiating the Master Franchise for the Sotheby's International Realty Master Franchise for South Africa and holds many directorships in associated real estate and allied industries.

Sandy Geffen

Executive Director

Sandy Geffen is an Executive Director of Sotheby's International Realty South Africa, and has 30 years of real estate specialist skills with peerless experience in training and human relations. Her dedication and success together with an infinite desire to expand the brand nationally, led her together with her husband Lew, to secure the Sotheby's International Realty® master-license for South Africa.

Sandy spearheads the implementation of a host of marketing and training tools designed to enhance her property consultants' roles as leaders in property sales. She is a highly motivated speaker and is known throughout the network for her energising and focused presentations.

Sandy spends the remainder of her time as an ambassador for the brand dedicating her time to social responsibility. She is a trustee for Women and Men Against Child Abuse and is actively involved with the charity organisation, Operation Hunger. Sandy began her career in the travel industry and then moved on to become a media manager for Kenyon Wiles advertising agency. She joined her husband Lew at Lew Geffen Estates in Johannesburg in 1982, which soon received recognition as one of the in Johannesburg.

Yael Geffen

Chief Executive Officer

Aside from having a love affair with sloths, Yael Geffen is the CEO and a shareholder of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty as well as a member of the Europe, Middle East, India and Africa region task force for Sotheby’s International Realty. She grew up in a real estate dynasty established by her grandmother, Aida, and, prior to joining the family business in 2009, she acquired extensive real estate marketing, brand building and business development experience in the United States. Yael is the winner of the 2020 Standard Bank’s prestigious Top Woman in Property Award and is the 2023 winner of Woman of Stature’s CEO of the Year. She was chosen to represent South Africa as a speaker for the World Leaders Summit in November 2021. She is a mental health advocate and is passionate about authentic leadership.

Neethesh Haripersad

Chief Operations Officer

Neethesh has been with the company from inception, starting as the accountant and progressing to Group Financial Manager and further to his current position of Chief Operations Officer. Neethesh has a B.Comm (Honours) degree from the University of South Africa and is integral to the growth and management of the company.

Jaco Smit

Chief Information Officer at GIRF Franchise Network

Jaco Smit serves as the Chief Information Officer for the GIRF Franchise Network, where he is responsible for developing and implementing the digital strategy across the network. With 15 years of experience in corporate environments, Jaco has managed large online marketing accounts and led digital strategies for major clients in South Africa and the UK.

He is a Google-certified online marketing specialist with a background extending over 20 years in the field. In addition to his marketing expertise, Jaco is a senior developer with a focus on open source technology. His academic background includes a degree in Information Technology and Biochemistry, and he is also a certified PHP developer through UNISA.