Ken Knott joins developer Vita
KEN Knott, the former chief executive of Ask Developments has invested in upmarket student accommodation developer Vita.
Wilmslow-based Vita confirmed he joined the board as a director in December and has also taken an undisclosed stake in the business.
The firm has seven student schemes across the country but Mr Knott’s role will be to expand into larger mixed-use projects incorporating hotels and offices.
The former director of Amec Developments left Ask in August 13 years after co-founding the business with Simon Bate and Simply Red manager Andy Dodd.
Ask is currently working on the First Street scheme in Manchester which will be the site of a Vita student block along with a £25m cultural centre and a 208-bed four-star Melia Innside hotel.
Vita’s chief executive Trevor Moore said: “Ken joined the board of Vita Ventures as Director in December 2013 in an executive and shareholding capacity. His appointment is a huge coup for the business, with his experience and knowledge of the built environment second to none.
“His role is to help drive the strategic growth of the business and to spearhead its expansion into larger mixed-use projects including hotels, offices and residential.”
Mr Knott said: “Leaving Ask Developments in August 2013 was an amicable decision between myself and the business and I continue to be shareholder. Since its launch in 2012 Vita Ventures has quickly earned itself a reputation for luxury and innovation, and it has been earmarked for great success. This meant that when I began considering my options for the future it was natural that I was attracted to this fast-paced business, which has strong leadership and a true vision for a fresh approach to city centre development. With a number of key acquisitions lined-up, it’s proved to be a really exciting time to join the company.”
Vita was set up by Mark Stott, founder of the Dubai-focused property investment business Select Property based in Wilmslow, and Chris Oakes of Alderley Edge-based upmarket developer Huntsmere. Another investor is Angus Monro, former chairman of The Hut Group and former Matalan chief executive.
