Watkin Jones PLC - London-based student accommodation developer and manager - Interim Chief Executive Officer Alex Pease is made permanent CEO with immediate effect. Pease has worked at Watkin Jones since 2010. He was appointed as chief investment officer in 2021, joined the board in 2022, and was promoted to interim CEO in July, after previous CEO Richard Simpson stepped down. Pease has led Watkin Jones "through a critical period during which the markets in which [it] operates have faced significant challenges," and overseen the successful sales of three non-core private rented sector assets.

Chair Alan Giddins says: "Over the last four months, as interim CEO, Alex has shown his ability both to lead Watkin Jones and think strategically about the future direction of the business. While the board ran a full search process, which included a number of strong external candidates, it was clear that Alex was the outstanding candidate for the role."

Current stock price: 48.12 pence, up 6.7% on Wednesday in London

12-month change: down 51%

By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter

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