Dominus has announced two big-name hires as it scales its UK hotel platform and grows its London-focused student housing portfolio.
The developer has appointed Andrew MacDonald as chief financial officer, while Richard Smith, former chief executive of Unite Group, has been hired as senior adviser to support its long-term growth strategy.
MacDonald joins Dominus from Sellar, where he was head of joint ventures and investment, responsible for investments, partnerships and capital raising. Prior to this, he spent a decade as head of real estate finance at Schroders, leading investment and financing strategies across multiple sectors.
In his new role, MacDonald will oversee equity capital raising, debt financing, risk management and the development of strategic, long-term partnerships with institutional investors, building on Dominus’ first joint venture with Cheyne Capital. The partners bought 65 Fleet Street last year, which is being redeveloped into an 875-bed student living scheme.
Smith will help shape group-wide strategy and enhance the business’s approach to corporate governance, compliance and its wider social contribution.
He spent 14 years at Unite Group, including eight years as chief executive, where he oversaw the growth of the UK’s largest purpose-built student accommodation operator. He currently holds a portfolio of non-executive roles, including pro chancellor and chair at Southampton Solent University and non-executive director at VP plc.
Preet Ahluwalia, chief executive, Dominus, said in a statement: "Andrew and Richard bring exceptional experience and leadership at a pivotal stage in Dominus’ journey.
"Andrew’s financial and investment expertise will strengthen our ability to attract institutional partners and deliver long-term growth, while Richard’s corporate and governance experience will help ensure we grow responsibly and with purpose. Together, they will play a key role in advancing our strategy to deliver market-leading hotels and student housing schemes across the UK."
The appointments follow the recent hires of John Blanshard and Sarah Reynolds as director of PBSA and PBSA operations director respectively, ahead of the launch of a dedicated student platform and brand next year. The company’s first operational assets will open to students in September 2027.
Dominus has 2,300 student beds under construction in the City of London, which 35% will be delivered at affordable rents. Dominus’ hotel portfolio, managed by Dominus Hospitality, totals five hotels in London, Bath and Oxford, with a sixth, The Derby London City Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in February 2026.
MacDonald said: "This is a great time to join Dominus at such an exciting stage in its growth. With a high-quality pipeline of London student schemes and a proven hotel platform, the business is well placed to create long-term value across its portfolio and continue to scale by working with strategic equity and debt capital partners.”
Smith added: "I am delighted to be supporting Dominus. It is a values-driven organisation focused on quality, community and customer experience. The addition of over 800 affordable beds in London and the creation of new cultural spaces at the ground floor of its schemes are examples of its commitment to delivering genuine social value."
Dominus has 3,800 student beds and 1,700 hotel rooms consented or in the pipeline across the UK.