REG - Unite Group PLC - Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Director

UniteAnnouncement

24/02/2026 07:00

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RNS Number : 0771U  Unite Group PLC (The)  24 February 2026

 24 February 2026

 

 THE UNITE GROUP PLC

 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

THE UNITE GROUP PLC

 

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

 

Unite Group plc, the UK's largest owner, manager and developer of
purpose-built student accommodation, announces the appointment of Duncan
Cooper as a Non-Executive Director and Chair (designate) of the Audit &
Risk Committee.  Duncan will join the Board on 1 June 2026 and takeover as
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee when Ross Paterson steps down from the
Board on 31 August 2026 at the end of his tenure.

Duncan Cooper brings a wealth of strategic and financial experience in UK
publicly listed businesses, currently as the Chief Financial Officer of Travis
Perkins plc, and previously as Group Finance Director of Crest Nicholson plc
and senior finance roles at J. Sainsbury plc.  This experience in the real
estate, construction and retail sectors brings valuable wider perspective to
the Board.  Duncan is a chartered accountant and has recent and relevant
financial experience to chair the Audit & Risk Committee.

Duncan will also join Unite's Nomination, Remuneration and Sustainability
Committees with effect from 1 June 2026.

Richard Huntingford, Chair of Unite, commented:

"I am delighted to welcome Duncan to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and
Chair (designate) of the Audit & Risk Committee, bringing valuable
strategic, financial and operational experience.  I look forward to working
with him."

 

Pursuant to UK Listing Rule 6.4.8(1) the Company discloses that at the date of
this announcement, Duncan Cooper continues to be a director of Travis Perkins
plc and during the last 5 years, he has also been a director of Crest
Nicholson plc.  There is no further information to be disclosed in respect of
Duncan Cooper under paragraphs 6.4.8(1) - 6.4.8(6) of the Listing Rules.

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of
EU Regulation 596/204 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) and has been authorised for release by
Christopher Szpojnarowicz, Group Legal Director and Company Secretary.

 

-    ENDS -

About Unite Group plc

Unite Group plc 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. Together, the Group provides homes for 72,000
students across 208 properties in 29 leading university towns and cities
across the UK.

Our people are driven by a shared purpose: to provide a 'Home for Success' for
the students who live with us. Our accommodation is safe, secure, high quality
and affordable, with students living predominantly in en‑suite study
bedrooms. Rents are all‑inclusive, covering bills, insurance, 24‑hour
security and high‑speed Wi‑Fi.

We are committed to raising standards across 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, Unite Group plc is an award‑winning Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT) listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more
information, visit www.unitegroup.com (http://www.unitegroup.com) ,
www.unitestudents.com (http://www.unitestudents.com) or
 www.hellostudent.co.uk (http://www.hellostudent.co.uk/) .

For further information, please contact:

Unite Students

Joe Lister / Mike Burt / Saxon Ridley Tel: +44 117 302 7005

Press office Tel: +44 117 450 6300

Sodali & Co

Ben Foster / Sam Austrums / Louisa Henry Tel: +44 20 7250 1446

 

 

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