Olympian Homes, a key player in student accommodation and build-to-rent housing, has a new leader at its helm.
- Richard Simpson, former CEO of Watkin Jones, has been appointed as the chief executive of Olympian Homes.
- Simpson brings his extensive experience, having led Watkin Jones from 2019-2023 and formerly served as property director at Unite Group.
- Olympian Homes, founded by military veteran Mark Slatter, shares a connection with Simpson’s military background.
- Both Slatter and Simpson are committed to leveraging their expertise to benefit veterans and the housing sector.
Olympian Homes, a prominent developer in student accommodation and build-to-rent housing, is set to embark on a new chapter with the recruitment of Richard Simpson as its chief executive. This strategic appointment aims to harness Simpson’s considerable industry experience, which he acquired as the chief executive at Watkin Jones from January 2019 to July 2023. His tenure there has endowed him with significant expertise in managing developments similar to those undertaken by Olympian Homes.
Richard Simpson’s career trajectory has been notable, with a previous role as property director at Unite Group further enriching his industry insights. This background aligns closely with Olympian’s operational focus, positioning him as an ideal fit for steering the company towards its growth objectives. His familiarity with the intricacies of property development is expected to bolster Olympian’s strategic initiatives, leveraging his prior achievements to replicate success within the organisation.
Founded in 1993 by Mark Slatter, Olympian Homes has carved out a niche in multi-occupancy residences, operating in a segment akin to Watkin Jones. Mark Slatter, whose career began in the Royal Marines, finds common ground with Simpson, who served in the Royal Hussars. This shared military heritage fosters a synergistic vision for the company’s future, focusing on robust leadership and disciplined execution of projects.
Mark Slatter expressed his enthusiasm about Simpson’s appointment, highlighting the synergies between their backgrounds and the potential for collaborative success. Slatter emphasised the company’s resilience, cultivated through facing industry challenges over the past three years. This ‘can do’ culture, as he describes it, positions Olympian Homes to capitalise on emerging opportunities, particularly those aimed at benefiting military veterans.
Richard Simpson, on his part, has acknowledged Olympian’s commendable achievements and robust core values. His statement reflected excitement about joining a high-performing team renowned for its strong supply chain partnerships. Simpson’s dedication to aligning with Olympian’s ethos signals a promising trajectory for the company’s future developments, with a clear focus on delivering value and expanding its market footprint.
The alignment of vision and expertise promises a fruitful collaboration at Olympian Homes, fostering growth and innovation.
