Student accommodation developer Unite has appointed Phil White as chairman designate of the company and an additional non-executive director.

White is expected to succeed Geoffrey Maddrell who, as announced last March, will step down as Unite chair at this year’s AGM, after almost 10 years in the role.

Phil, 59, is currently non-executive chair of Kier Group, the support services and property development group. He is also non-executive chairman of the franchised motor dealership group Lookers.

Phil White said: ‘It is a great privilege to join the board of such an exciting company operating in a dynamic and growing sector.

‘UNITE has built an excellent reputation through providing and managing accommodation for students across the UK, a specialist asset class which continues to attract strong demand and interest from consumers and investors.

‘I look forward to working closely with the highly experienced management team to explore and realise the ongoing potential and future success of this unique business.’