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Unite Group announces director change

18 May 2018

The Unite Group plc, the UK’s leading manager and developer of student accommodation, announces that Richard Simpson will be stepping down from his role with immediate effect. After 13 years with Unite, including six as Group Property Director, Richard has decided to take up the role as CEO of Watkin Jones plc. Richard will remain with the Group on garden leave until 31 December 2018 to ensure a smooth handover. From 1st January 2019 he will be free to take up his new role.

Nick Hayes will be promoted to Group Property Director, but will not be appointed to the Board of Directors. Nick has been at Unite for 11 years and is currently the Company’s Property Director. Nick has been leading the Group’s development and property activities for the last two years and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

The Company does not intend to replace Richard Simpson’s position on the Board of Directors and will continue with a Board of seven directors, comprising a non-executive chairman, two executive directors and four non-executive directors.

Phil White, Chairman of Unite, commented:

“I would like to thank Richard for his contribution to Unite over a number of years and particularly since joining the Board in 2012. Richard has been instrumental in driving Unite’s property strategy to create a high-quality portfolio focused on the best universities in the UK. Nick’s promotion is well-deserved and I am delighted that he will be taking on more responsibilities, building on the excellent work that he has been delivering across our properties and university partnerships.”

For further information, please contact:

 

Unite Students

Joe Lister, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +44 117 302 7053

Powerscourt (PR adviser to Unite)

Justin Griffiths or Mazar Masud

Tel: +44 207 250 1446