The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry today announced the appointment of Growthpoint executive Shawn Theunissen as Vice President.

The 129-year old chamber is an independent, non-political, subscription-based association dedicated to promoting a business-friendly environment. Members are drawn from every sector of the economy and range from independent entrepreneurs to large corporates. Mr Theunissen is an executive at Growthpoint Properties Limited responsible for Corporate Social Responsibility and Transformation. He has over 15 years of experience in senior management roles in both corporate and non-governmental sectors. His diverse development expertise includes driving corporate strategy, successfully developing, managing and delivering complex local, regional and international projects and successfully working within entrepreneurship development.

Mr Theunissen is also the founder of Property Point and Entrepreneurship To The Point, Growthpoint’s enterprise and supplier development programmes which focuses on the holistic development of small and growing businesses. Under his leadership the two-year Property Point accelerator programme had recorded a cumulative contribution of R1,58bn to the GDP over the past 10 years. It has created 2244 direct and indirect jobs full-time jobs and reported average revenue growth of 39%.

“I'm passionate about developing businesses and so I am excited for the opportunity to partner with one of the pillars of business in Gauteng and to help serve the business community,” said My Theunissen. “The JCCI has a commitment to delivering a top-notch support to businesses and I look forward to working with the team to explore ways to create an enabling environment in which businesses can thrive.”

JCCI CEO Joan Warburton-McBride said Mr Theunissen’s extensive experience in developing businesses would bring key oversight and deep market knowledge to the team. “It's important as we grow to have a strong strategic leadership structure in place, and with directors like Shawn, we'll continue to deliver on our commitments to our partners and stakeholders.” “Shawn joins a board of five experienced business leaders, who are committed to helping the Chamber members grow their businesses and developing small businesses that can become employers and job creators. His in-depth experience in SME development will be invaluable,” said Ms Warburton-McBride.

About the JCCI The JCCI is the leading business association in the region, with a key focus on the promotion of international trade and small business development. Its membership includes companies from every industry sector and ranges from start-ups to listed corporates.

Issued on behalf of the JCCI by Gravitas for more information or media interviews kindly do contact Mbalenhle Ngema on 011 280 6641 or 071 042 0434 or mbalenhle@gravitas.africa JCCI Contact details: Joan Warburton-McBride, Chief Executive Officer 011 726 5300 joan@jcci.co.za