Student-led accommodation specialist Nido Living has appointed Ryan Lee as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as the company gears up for major expansion drive.
Backed by shareholder CPP Investments the vertically integrated platform is eyeing up acquisitions and new opportunities in Italy and Germany, alongside continued growth in Spain. Lee's appointment is central to this plan, bringing his extensive experience in real estate and financial leadership to Nido's executive team.
Lee started in September and will work closely with CEO Carlo Matta, and COO Darren Gardner, and be based at Nido’s headquarters in Amsterdam. He will support on all corporate strategies and ensure they are aligned with Nido’s growth ambitions.
Carlo Matta, CEO said: 'Ryan's extensive background in real estate and the rental living sector across multiple countries makes him an invaluable addition to our team. We are excited to leverage his experience as we enter new markets in Italy and Germany, where the demand for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) significantly outweighs the supply. Ryan’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of becoming the leading student accommodation provider in these key regions.'
Lee added: 'I am thrilled to join Nido at such an exciting time in the company’s journey. Nido has built a strong reputation in the student accommodation sector, and I am eager to contribute to its next chapter of growth. With a solid foundation already in place and a clear vision for the future, I look forward to working with Carlo, Darren, and the entire team to capitalize on the vast opportunities ahead, particularly in the Italian and German markets.'
Lee brings extensive experience to Nido, having served as CEO of Atrium European Real Estate, now part of the G City Group. His leadership in managing and redeveloping shopping centres and residential rental assets in Central Europe has been widely recognized. Before that, he held the CFO role at Atrium for nearly a decade, playing a key role in driving the company’s financial strategy and expansion. Ryan’s career includes senior roles at CEDC, as well as leadership roles at JTI and Unilever.
Nido currently manages 7,000 beds in assets across Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. In recent months, Nido has launched over 1,000 new beds in Valencia and Madrid, Spain, and 500 in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Nido Living, acquired by CPP Investments in March 2024, operates as a vertically integrated platform specialised in student-led accommodation, with a strong focus on investment, development, and operational excellence.
