New CEO joins Fresh Property Group

Jeremy Fletcher, CEO of Fresh Property Group.

Watkin Jones plc, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent with a focus on the build to rent (‘BtR’) and purpose built student accommodation (‘PBSA’) sectors, has announced that Rebecca Hopewell, CEO of Fresh Property Group, its property management business, has decided to retire.

Rebecca will be replaced by Jeremy Fletcher, who will be working closely with Watkin Jones’ CEO Richard Simpson and the executive team to grow the Group’s property management operations by leveraging the strong underlying demand for a high quality affordable living experience across both the BtR and PBSA sectors.

Jeremy brings with him a wealth of experience from across the service sector. He joins Watkin Jones from Quintain Living (formerly Tipi), the operational platform which is spearheading the £3 billion regeneration of Wembley Park. His consumer orientation, combined with Fresh’s deep insight into the needs of its tenants, represent a unique asset for Watkin Jones and bringing them to bear in the whole Group’s development will be another key priority for Jeremy and the executive team.

Jeremy will take up his new role at the beginning of January 2021. Rebecca has agreed to stay with the company until an orderly transition is complete.

Commenting on the announcement, Richard Simpson said: “Rebecca has been the driving force behind the creation of a recognised leader in the residential for rent property management sector. On behalf of the Group, I thank her for her enormous contribution and wish her well going forward.

“Stepping into her shoes, we are fortunate to have an established business leader with a track record of success built on the combination of strategic insight, operational experience and consumer-driven innovation. Jeremy’s appointment positions us well to drive the next stage in Fresh’s growth by delivering the best possible solution for both its clients and the people who live with us. I am looking forward to working closely with him on this and the Group’s wider development.”