UK: Student accommodation developer Unite has appointed Richard Huntingford as chairman.
He will replace Phil White, who is due to step down on 31 March 2021.
Huntingford is currently the chairman of Future plc, a FTSE-250 specialist media platform. He will join the Unite board as non-executive director and chairman designate on 1 December, and will assume the role of chairman on 1 April 2021.
He has more than 30 years’ experience on various boards including as chief executive of Chrysalis Group and a non-executive director of Virgin Mobile Holdings. He is currently non-executive director of JP Morgan Mid Cap Investment Trust and The Bankers Investment Trust.
White was appointed chairman in 2010, and his tenure on the board was extended following Unite’s acquisition of Liberty Living to ensure continuity during the integration of the business.
White said: “I am delighted with Richard’s appointment as chairman designate; his extensive track record and board experience demonstrates that he has the range of skills and experience for the role. I would like to welcome Richard to the board and I look forward to working with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover of duties. Unite is a great business with great people and it has been a privilege to have played just a small role in its success over the past decade.”
Huntingford said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Unite. I have a strong empathy for Unite’s ‘Home for Success’ purpose which plays a fundamental role in helping students make a success of their time at university. Unite’s market-leading proposition, and its strong university relationships, provide a firm foundation for long-term sustainable growth.”
Richard Smith, chief executive of Unite, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Phil White for his leadership over many years and his contribution to the growth of Unite and making Unite the business it is today. Great people are at the heart of any business and Phil led this from the top. On a personal note, I would like to thank Phil for his support and guidance. I look forward to working with Richard as we look to the future with confidence and embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.”
