Unite Group plc, the UK owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, has announced the appointment of Duncan Cooper as a non-executive director and chair (designate) of the audit & risk committee. He will join the board on 1 June 2026 and take over as chair of the audit & risk committee when Ross Paterson steps down on 31 August 2026 at the end of his tenure.

Cooper brings strategic and financial experience in UK publicly listed businesses, currently as the chief financial officer of Travis Perkins plc, and previously as group finance director of Crest Nicholson plc. He has also held senior finance roles at J. Sainsbury plc.
When he takes his seat on the board in the summer, Cooper will also join Unite’s nomination, remuneration and sustainability committees.

Richard Huntingford, chair of Unite, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Duncan to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair (designate) of the Audit & Risk Committee, bringing valuable strategic, financial and operational experience. I look forward to working with him.”