Strategy/Company/ Operations Update
Summary by AI BETAClose X
5 November 2026
THE UNITE GROUP PLC
(‘Unite Group’, ‘Unite’, the ‘Group’, or the ‘Company')
BUSINESS CHANGES TO SUPPORT STRATEGIC DELIVERY
Unite Group, the UK's leading owner, manager and developer of student accommodation, today announces organisational changes to support the Group’s strategy of increasing alignment with the UK’s strongest universities through a more focused, higher-quality portfolio.
These organisational changes, together with the £241m of disposals completed year-to-date, will align the Group’s structure and cost base with its strategic priorities. Changes across support functions and senior leadership responsibilities are expected to deliver annual cost savings from 2027 onwards.
As part of the wider programme, we are making the following internal appointments to the Executive Committee, which will enhance focus on operational performance, property investment and university partnerships:
- Paul Watson as Managing Director, Operations;
- Will Atkinson as Group Property Director; and
- Moray Notman as Group Commercial & Higher Education Director.
Karan Khanna, Chief Operating Officer, and Rebecca Vicary, Group Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, will leave the Group over the next few months after supporting the transition to the new Executive Committee.
Joe Lister, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Our priority is to position Unite for future growth by aligning more closely with the UK’s strongest universities and focusing on delivering operational excellence.
“Delivering this strategy means changing how we are organised. A smaller, more focused business will better align with our strategic priorities, deliver savings and allow us to keep investing where it matters most.
“I am excited by our new executive team and look forward to working more closely with Paul, Will and Moray. I would personally like to thank Karan and Rebecca for their significant contributions to Unite and their support through the transition.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Unite Group
Joe Lister / Mike Burt / Saxon Ridley Tel: +44 117 302 7005
Press office Tel: +44 117 450 6300
Kekst CNC
Tom Climie Tel: +44 7760 160 248
Lucy Besser Tel: +44 7779 873 440
About Unite Group
Unite Group is the UK's largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) serving the country's world-leading higher education sector. Its property portfolio includes the Unite Students and Hello Student brands. We provide homes to 72,000 students across 207 properties in 29 leading university towns and cities. We currently partner with over 60 universities across the UK.
Our people are driven by a common purpose: to provide a 'Home for Success' for the students who live with us. Our accommodation is safe and secure, high quality and affordable. Students live predominantly in en-suite study bedrooms with rents covering all bills, insurance, 24-hour security and high-speed Wi-Fi.
We are committed to raising standards in the student accommodation sector for our customers, investors and employees. Our Sustainability Strategy includes a commitment to become net zero carbon across our operations and developments by 2030.
Founded in 1991 in Bristol, the Unite Group is an award-winning Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.unitegroup.com, www.unitestudents.com or www.hellostudent.co.uk.
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