A Manchester-based digital accommodation platform for students has appointed an industry veteran to its board.
David Tymms has joined Housemates, which focuses on delivering innovative and tech-driven solutions so students can easily find and book a place to live.
Tymms, who has more than 25 years鈥� experience in the sector, is now an independent non-executive director at the instant booking student accommodation marketplace.
He said he was looking forward to joining the board, which is headed up by chief executive Lydia Jones.
Tymms said: 鈥淭he Housemates platform is a proven model that is now engaging in a rapid growth trajectory.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to working with Lydia and the rest of the board, sharing insights and ultimately helping the company to realise its massive potential.鈥�
Backed by two high net worths having launched in 2020, Housemates鈥� platform is now used by students from over 20 countries and lists more than 1.2 million beds across the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Last month intuitive booking engine Housemates Connect API, which enables businesses to unlock revenue by offering fast and secure student accommodation, was launched.
That followed last year鈥檚 introduction of other tech-driven solutions features Payments+ and Housemates Tag.
Welcoming Tymms to the board, CEO Lydia Jones said: 鈥淗ousemates operates in a rapidly growing sector and has quickly established itself as a leader.
鈥淲ith David coming on board we are confident that we can execute our global vision, which is to connect, through technology and data, the student housing ecosystem and all its stakeholders.
鈥淗is wealth of experience in the student accommodation industry is almost unrivalled and we鈥檙e delighted that he is joining us on our journey.鈥�
Tymms has previously worked as chief operating officer at IQ Student Accommodation, later becoming commercial director and strategic advisor during a 15-year spell.
In 2020 iQ Student Accommodation was sold to Blackstone for 拢4.66bn, which remains the largest ever private real estate transaction in the UK.
Tymms has also worked as head of student accommodation services at the University of Central Lancashire and as director of residential services at the London School of Economics.
He also chaired the influential British Property Federation Student Accommodation Committee from 2015 to 2022.
Headquartered in Manchester, Housemates also has an office in Bangalore, India.
Lydia Jones last year won the Rising Star Award for Property Week鈥檚 Student Housing Awards.