Student accommodation veteran David Tymms has joined the board at Manchester firm Housemates.
Mr Tymms, who has more than 25 years experience in the sector, is now an independent non-executive director at the instant booking student accommodation marketplace.
After initially working as chief operating officer at IQ Student Accommodation, he later became commercial director and strategic advisor during his 15-year spell.
In 2020 iQ Student Accommodation was sold to Blackstone for £4.66bn, which remains the largest ever private real estate transaction in the UK.
Mr Tymms also previously worked as head of student accommodation services at the University of Central Lancashire and as director of residential services at the London School of Economics.
He also chaired the influential British Property Federation Student Accommodation Committee from 2015 to 2022.
Tymms said: “The Housemates platform is a proven model that is now engaging in a rapid growth trajectory. I’m looking forward to working with Lydia and the rest of the board, sharing insights and ultimately helping the company to realise its massive potential.”
Housemates, a leading provider of student accommodation solutions, focuses on delivering innovative and tech-driven solutions so students can easily find and book a place to live.
Backed by two high net worths having launched in 2020, Housemates’ platform is now used by students from over 20 countries and lists more than 1.2 million beds across the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Last month intuitive booking engine Housemates Connect API, which enables businesses to unlock revenue by offering fast and secure student accommodation, was launched.
That followed last year’s introduction of other tech-driven solutions features Payments+ and Housemates Tag.
Housemates CEO Lydia Jones said: “Housemates operates in a rapidly growing sector and has quickly established itself as a leader. With David coming on board we are confident that we can execute our global vision, which is to connect, through technology and data, the student housing ecosystem and all its stakeholders.
“His wealth of experience in the student accommodation industry is almost unrivalled and we’re delighted that he is joining us on our journey.”
