Unipol’s new CEO, Sam Bailey-Watts, has laid out a bold and values-driven vision for the future of student accommodation in a candid new interview, reflecting on three decades of experience in the sector.
From his early days at the University of Nottingham to leading Unipol, Sam brings a long-view perspective at a time of major change. In the interview, he addresses some of the sector’s most pressing issues—affordability challenges, regulatory shortfalls, shifting demand trends, and the need for better cooperation between universities, developers, and operators.
With clarity and pragmatism, Sam challenges persistent myths about Gen Z students, critiques the overuse of luxury marketing narratives, and advocates for greater integration between student wellbeing services and accommodation teams. He also reinforces Unipol’s long-standing commitment to sector standards through the Unipol run National Codes arguing for a more nuanced approach to regulation that puts students' needs first.
“We’re not here to maximise profits—we’re here to maximise impact,” says Sam. “Unipol’s unique position as a trusted, independent voice allows us to work collaboratively across the sector and with Government to improve standards, transparency and affordability.”
The full interview with Global Student Living ‘Unlocked’ is available to read here.