Fully integrated developer and operator in the student and living sector and one of the largest providers of student accommodation in the UK – Host Student Housing Ltd – appoints Edward Gibbon as Head of Asset Management.
In the newly created senior position, Edward will play a major role in the continued growth of Host’s portfolio and be responsible for the asset management of its £1bn UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living joint venture with the leading global private markets firm Partners Group.
Launched in June 2022 and seeded with PBSA assets in Leicester, Colchester and Bournemouth, the joint venture has an immediate pipeline of £250m of PBSA developments totalling 1,000 beds and aims to create a significant and market leading portfolio of £1bn GDV.
“This is an exciting time to join Host given the scale of the JV with Partners Group and the shared ambition to grow top quality PSBA and co-living portfolio. As a highly experienced, national developer and operator of student accommodation, Host is perfectly placed to meet unprecedented levels of demand from students for high quality, professionally managed accommodation right across the UK. I look forward to working with the whole team at Host to make the most of this opportunity.”
Edward Gibbon, Head of Asset Management, Host Student Housing Ltd
Edward has 20 years of real estate experience, having worked for leading advisory and investment management firms including BBG Real Estate Advisers, Cushman & Wakefield, 90 North Real Estate Partners and IQ Student Accommodation.
Edward joins Host after three years at Blackstone-owned iQ Student Accommodation where he was an Investment & Asset Manager. Edward focused on assessing and underwriting rolling refurbishment programmes, monitoring and enhancing portfolio performance and onboarding new investments into the existing portfolio.
Edward also worked closely with the IQ Acquisitions team providing valuable market insight and due diligence advice on the purchase of assets and portfolios through either M&A, forward funding or direct property investment. Prior to that, Edward spent six years at the real estate investment manager 90 North.
“Edward’s significant real estate experience and specialist sector knowledge will support Host’s partnerships with both existing and prospective investors and ensure we continue to deliver on our ambitious plans for growth.”
John Nesbitt, Managing Director, Host Student Housing Ltd
Host is a fully integrated developer and operator in the student and living sector and one of the largest providers of student accommodation in the UK, currently operating circa 9,000 student beds across 28 sites. The company, in conjunction with Tiger Developments, is part of the O’ Flynn Group of companies which has extensive interests in the property sector in Ireland.
