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Germany: Nido Living, the student accommodation platform backed by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), has appointed Daniel Havers as head of Germany.
The hire, made as as the business prepares to enter the German market, follows the company’s €1.2 billion acquisition of 9,000 beds in Iberia.
Germany remains one of Europe’s largest and most attractive student accommodation markets, with 2.85 million students enrolled annually. While the PBSA sector is more mature than in other European markets, its provision rate stands at just 12 per cent, creating significant opportunity for high‑quality, purpose‑built student housing.
Carlo Matta, CEO of Nido, said: “Our growth is moving at pace, and Daniel’s appointment is a key milestone as we prepare to enter the German market. Germany’s universities are climbing the global rankings, international student demand is growing and yet provision still lags behind. This presents an outstanding opportunity for Nido to scale through acquisition, development, and operation of high-quality assets via our fully integrated platform.”
Havers brings 18 years’ experience in real estate investment, asset management, and development in Germany. He has held senior roles at Tishman Speyer, pwr development, and hedge fund Strategic Value Partners, with a strong track record in acquisitions, real estate debt and finance, and full development lifecycle management. He is an alumnus of Harvard University, holds a degree in Real Estate Economics from EBS Universität, and a Diploma in Business Administration from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences.
Nido says he has successfully led high‑growth expansion strategies in competitive markets, experience that will be pivotal as Nido enters Germany.
Havers said: “Nido has an ambitious, challenging, and strategic plan to grow across Germany, Italy, and Iberia. I’m excited to join a team with deep sector expertise and to play a leading role in bringing Nido’s best-in-class student living experience to students across Germany.”
Over the past year, Nido has strengthened its leadership team with several senior appointments, including Joanne Pollard (COO), Ryan Lee (CFO), Taco van Heusden (CIDO), and Giuseppe Zafferri (Head of Italy). Nido also appointed Dr Beatrice Lafon as chair and Rosemary Boot as non‑executive director.
Highlights:
• Nido Living, the student accommodation platform backed by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), has appointed Daniel Havers as head of Germany
• The hire, made as as the business prepares to enter the German market, follows the company’s €1.2 billion acquisition of 9,000 beds in Iberia
Havers brings 18 years’ experience in real estate investment, asset management, and development in Germany
