Unite Group plc, the UK's largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, announces the appointment of Duncan Cooper as a Non-Executive Director and Chair (designate) of the Audit & Risk Committee.  Duncan will join the Board on 1 June 2026 and takeover as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee when Ross Paterson steps down from the Board on 31 August 2026 at the end of his tenure.

Duncan Cooper brings a wealth of 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 and senior finance roles at J. Sainsbury plc.  This experience in the real estate, construction and retail sectors brings valuable wider perspective to the Board.  Duncan is a chartered accountant and has recent and relevant financial experience to chair the Audit & Risk Committee.

Duncan will also join Unite's Nomination, Remuneration and Sustainability Committees with effect from 1 June 2026.

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."

Pursuant to UK Listing Rule 6.4.8(1) the Company discloses that at the date of this announcement, Duncan Cooper continues to be a director of Travis Perkins plc and during the last 5 years, he has also been a director of Crest Nicholson plc.  There is no further information to be disclosed in respect of Duncan Cooper under paragraphs 6.4.8(1) - 6.4.8(6) of the Listing Rules.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/204 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) and has been authorised for release by Christopher Szpojnarowicz, Group Legal Director and Company Secretary.

-    ENDS -

About Unite Group plc

Unite Group plc is the UK's largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) serving the country's world-leading higher education sector. Its property portfolio includes the Unite Students and Hello Student brands. Together, the Group provides homes for 72,000 students across 208 properties in 29 leading university towns and cities across the UK.

Our people are driven by a shared purpose: to provide a 'Home for Success' for the students who live with us. Our accommodation is safe, secure, high quality and affordable, with students living predominantly in en‑suite study bedrooms. Rents are all‑inclusive, covering bills, insurance, 24‑hour security and high‑speed Wi‑Fi.

We are committed to raising standards across the student accommodation sector for our customers, investors and employees. Our Sustainability Strategy includes a commitment to become net zero carbon across our operations and developments by 2030.

Founded in 1991 in Bristol, Unite Group plc is an award‑winning Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.unitegroup.com, www.unitestudents.com or  www.hellostudent.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:

Unite Students

Joe Lister / Mike Burt / Saxon Ridley Tel: +44 117 302 7005

Press office Tel: +44 117 450 6300

Sodali & Co

Ben Foster / Sam Austrums / Louisa Henry Tel: +44 20 7250 1446