GSA’s executive leadership team is strengthened with the appointment of Simon Bray as Global Head of Finance.

• Simon will play a pivotal  role in implementing GSA’s global growth strategy and elevating its strong performance culture.
• An accomplished executive with over 30 years’ experience in C-suite roles, most recently at BNP Paribas and prior to that Credit Suisse Prime Fund Services.

Global Student Accommodation (“GSA” or the “Company”), the global leader in student housing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Bray as Global Head of Finance. Simon will join GSA’s Executive team, further strengthening the company’s leadership and taking an integral role in developing the business and executing its global growth plans.

Simon brings a wealth of experience as a performance driven senior executive with a 30-year track record in the funds management sector. Simon’s particular expertise includes strategic planning and execution, operational risk, P&L enhancement, M&A, and operational resilience.

With an international remit, Simon will have responsibility for the Finance, Fund Control, Tax, People & Culture, Treasury and Risk & Compliance functions at GSA. He will be a core member of GSA’s executive team alongside Ben Harvie (Global Head of Investment Management), James Hunt (Global Head of Real Estate) and John Jacobs (Global Head of Capital Markets).

Before joining the Company, Simon most recently spent eight years in senior roles at BNP Paribas in Ireland, including as Chief Executive Officer, Fund Administration Services and Chief Administration Officer, Securities Services. In these positions he developed and implemented transformation plans to drive growth and financial performance, while embedding a strong risk management culture and governance controls. Prior to that he served as Chief Financial Officer of both Credit Suisse Prime Fund Services EMEA and Fortis Prime Fund Solutions.

Commenting on the appointment, John Jacobs, Global Head of Capital Markets at Global Student Accommodation, said:‍

“Simon is a fantastic addition to GSA and our executive team, and I am delighted to welcome him to the business. His impressive track record with leading financial services companies, coupled with the depth and breadth of his leadership and operational expertise, will play an important part in driving growth while embedding strong risk management.

“As a leading executive in the fund administration space, Simon’s appointment reflects the strength of GSA’s offering and its ability to attract market-leading talent. The student housing sector remains incredibly robust, and I look forward to working with him as GSA implements its growth plans.”  

Simon Bray, Global Head of Finance at Global Student Accommodation, said:

“GSA is the global leader in student housing and it’s an exciting time to join such a dynamic business. Student accommodation remains in high demand, attracting ever-increasing interest and capital. GSA’s unique approach as sector specialists provides a compelling opportunity. I look forward to working alongside the executive team and broader Dot Group to unlock further growth and drive performance.”