Unite Students announces two senior hires

Bristol-based Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, has made two senior hires.

Claire Barber has joined the business as asset management director.

She joins from property management and investment company Cadogan where she was responsible for the asset management of the company’s mixed use London Estate which is valued at almost £5bn.

Prior to that, Barber was head of central London retail and Meadowhall at property company British Land.

Tom Brewerton, who has been with the business for eight years, has recently been promoted to lead Unite Students’ property development team.

Brewerton, Unite Students’ group development director, first joined Unite Students as acquisitions and development surveyor in 2015. He has recently overseen the completion of two major projects – Hayloft Point, in Aldgate, costing £190m and which completed last year, and £45m Campbell House in Bristol, which also opened in 2022.

Claire Barber said: “I’m thrilled to join Unite Students at a very exciting time for this ambitious company. I look forward to supporting excellence and collaborating to secure new opportunities in support of the overall company purpose of creating a Home for Success.”

Brewerton said: “I’m delighted to take on this broader role to drive Unite Students’ property development team forward. I’m excited to be at the forefront of helping Unite Students achieve its ambitious development pipeline, continuing to build on the great achievements over the last few years with the opening on Hayloft Point and Campbell House.”

Joe Lister, Unite Students’ CFO, said: “These two positions are exciting developments for Unite Students. Claire brings important experience with her impressive background which will support the company as 2 we continue to drive our portfolio and development strategy. Tom has a wealth of experience to lead our property development team going forward.”