Richard Simpson will step down from his role with immediate effect after 13 years with Unite. He will remain on gardening leave until the end of the year before taking up the chief executive position at Watkin Jones.

Simpson, said: “Watkin Jones has a well earned reputation as one of the UK’s leading developers with an unrivalled focused expertise across PRS from build to rent to student accommodation development and management.

“I am excited by the prospect of working with the Board, senior management and staff to build on the Group’s strong foundations and to lead the business in the continued execution of its strategy.”

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive, said: ” I strongly believe I am handing over stewardship of Watkin Jones to the right candidate as the Group enters the next phase of its growth.”