UPP appoints new Group Director

UPP, the leading provider of campus infrastructure, student accommodation and specialist residential services, has announced the appointment of Sam Bailey-Watts to the UPP Group Board.

This appointment, which involves the creation of a new Group Director position, reflects UPP’s strategy to maintain and strengthen its partnership approach across its growing portfolio. UPP’s fully built out forecasted rent roll is in excess of £113m, and Sam Bailey-Watts will head up the company’s drive to secure annual revenue and deliver operational best practice.

Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sam Bailey-Watts to UPP’s Group Board. UPP has always recognised the need to understand the challenges and aspirations of our partners and Sam brings with him a wealth of experience from the HE sector and has an excellent track record of driving innovation and sector leading levels of occupancy across the UPP portfolio. Sam will play a crucial strategic role in maintaining and deepening the strong existing relationships that we enjoy, working with each university to deliver forecasted revenue as well as offering valuable advice to clients during a period of change.”

In addition to leading the Group’s Relationship Management and Business Standards strategy, Sam will continue to work closely with the Group Business Development Director to deliver new opportunities for UPP. He is also responsible for rent setting in consultation with partner institutions, and for marketing across the Group.

Sam Bailey-Watts of UPP, said: “I’m pleased to be joining the UPP Group Board at what is a time of radical change for the Higher Education sector and this role underlines the Group’s long term commitment to supporting our partners and to delivering high quality services to their students.”

Sam joined UPP in 2000 and was one of the leading figures in establishing and developing UPP Residential Services Ltd (URSL). He was appointed a Director of URSL in September 2008. Sam has a wealth of experience in the UK Higher Education sector, and prior to joining UPP, managed residences at the University of Nottingham and the University of London.