He qualified with an M Sc Engineering (Civil) from the University of Stellenbosch in 1981, specialising in Water Resource Management. He has since 2001 been an Executive Director of Sanlam Properties, responsible for the management of Sanlam's unlisted property portfolio of approximately R8 billion, until 2005. For the last 3 years, he has been responsible for listed property funds, Vukile and MICC, both worth approximately R4 billion.

Kirchner has been around the property industry. Besides the 8 years he spent in Sanlam Properties as an Executive Director, he spent a total of 12 years as National Technical Advisor/ Portfolio Manager/ Regional Manager Western Cape. Prior to that, he spent 12 years in the engineering field.

MD for Old Mutual Property Investments, Ben Kodisang said he looked forward to the value Gerhard brings.  “He will add immense value drawing on his varied experience spanning from winnowing of portfolios (acquisitions, sales, upgrades and refurbishments); income, expense and facilities management; to optimising of retail income from tenant mix, trading densities and determination of optimal affordable rental per retail category; and his experience in energy management,” said Ben Kodisang, MD of Old Mutual Property Investments. 

Kirchner says he is looking forward to the challenge. “Given my passion for property, and the size and quality of the Old Mutual Property Investments portfolio, I am looking forward to the challenge. I have 20 years experience in property, both listed and unlisted, and I understand the different approaches,” he stated.