Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has appointed Dr Beatrice Lafon as chairperson of its newly established board.
The move comes as part of Nido’s strategic expansion plan, following its acquisition by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and transformation into a platform that now encompasses development and investment activities alongside its established operational expertise.
Lafon will lead a board composed of both CPP and Nido senior representatives and independent non-executives.
With over 40 years of pan-European and US retail and hospitality experience, Lafon has an extensive background in financial and operational restructuring and M&A, combined with her previous roles as chief executive spanning 20 years.
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.'
Added Lafon: '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.'
Nido is actively recruiting for various roles at its Amsterdam HQ, and across its core and new territories as the platform expands, with a specific focus on the Italian and German markets.
In addition to her role at Nido, Lafon holds several other senior positions, including NED for ARD LuxCo 2, a leading group of luxury hotels; NED at Cloud Nine; NED at Hilding & Anders (SE); NED at Spartoo SA (France); founding member of the Leadership Council at causaLens, the pioneer in causal AI and Founder of The Business Intelligence Network, a UK based retail consultancy firm.
Her previous experience spans a variety of consumer brands, including advisory and senior roles at SuperDry, TMLewin, Claire’s Accessories, and Pizza Express Group.
