Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has appointed Dr Beatrice Lafon as chairperson of the company’s newly established board.
This move is part of Nido’s strategic expansion plan, following its acquisition by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and transformation into a vertically integrated platform.
Lafon, who has more than 40 years of pan-European and US retail and hospitality experience at companies including SuperDry, TMLewin and Pizza Express Group, will lead a board composed of CPP and Nido senior representatives and independent non-executives.
Carlo Matta, CEO of Nido Living, said: “Beatrice brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record in navigating businesses through periods of change and growth. Her expertise in consumer brands, customer experience, and innovation will be instrumental as we modernize and scale Nido. With her leadership, we are poised to not only enhance the student living experience across Europe but also to lead the charge in expanding the Nido brand into new markets”.
Lafon added: “Nido Living is an incredibly exciting and ambitious brand, uniquely positioned to engage with both B2B and B2C audiences and stakeholders. I am delighted to be part of a team that is driving forward the growth and transformation of such a people focussed business using my experience of both expansion and customer service. I am especially eager to contribute to the company’s ESG and DEI activities, ensuring Nido becomes even more inclusive and aligned with the diverse needs of its community and stakeholders.”
