CENTURY CITY UPDATE

Leadership evolution at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel

In 2013, both the Century City Conference Centre and Century City Hotel were first conceptualised by the Rabie Property Group to complement the fast developments within Cape Town’s newest and most vibrant precinct, Century City.

Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor

The intention behind these properties was to bring a worldclass venue, along with additional hotel rooms, to Century City thereby driving both local and international foot traffic into the precinct.

To spearhead the developments of these exciting new offerings, they enlisted the services of experienced hoteliers, Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor to form part of the design team — giving guidance to all aspects of the hospitality offerings.

During the construction phase, Gary and Glyn’s roles organically grew into that of joint chief executive officers of the Conference Centre and Hotel.

Fast forward seven years, the Century City Conference Centre has been successful despite having to weather economic and political struggles, droughts and a devastating global pandemic. Against all odds, the strong business relationships built by the team and the world-class offering, allowed the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel to go from strength to strength. This was testament in not only the unsurpassed number of return clients but also through the various awards won, including Africa’s most Sustainable Venue of the Year, Best Large Hotel Conference Venue in South Africa and SAACIs’ Member’s Choice award for Best Venue of the Year.

In 2018, the Rabie Property Group launched Oasis Life retirement estates — which has seen immense success as a hospitality-based retirement offering as part of Gary and Glyn’s portfolio.

Over the past two years, as the Conference Centre has bounced back and demand has increased in retirement estates, both brands have eagerly welcomed the addition of new properties in their portfolios.

With several new estates in development for Oasis Life, the need for separate strategy and management has become apparent. Therefore, the decision has been made to split the focus of Gary and Glyn in order to offer each brand the attention it requires.

As of April 2023, Glyn Taylor will focus his energies on growing the Oasis Life Portfolio as CEO, while Gary Koetser will continue to steer the hospitality offering of Rabie Property Group as CEO of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotels.

“As much as it is sad for this era to come to an end, the prospects of the future are exciting for everyone and both businesses involved. I would like to thank Glyn for his contribution to the success of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels,” Leon Cohen, chief executive officer of Rabie Property Group said.

“This is indeed a significant change and a new era for Century City Conference Centre and Hotels. With our talented team and the ongoing support of Rabie Property Group, I am confident that we will reach new heights and further solidify our market position as we continue to create value for our guests and stakeholders,” Mr Koetser said. Mr Taylor, said: “Stepping into the leadership role at Oasis Life presents a thrilling opportunity to leverage our unique strengths and drive targeted growth. I am committed to growing Oasis Life into South Africa’s leading retirement brand.”