Student accommodation developer GSA has strengthened its senior team by appointing Struan Robertson as Global Head of Investment Management.

In addition, Mr Robertson has been selected as an executive of the Group Board and Chairman of GSA's Investment Committee.

Struan has joined the business as GSA builds a portfolio of purpose-built student accommodation in world-class university destinations. The company has 20,000 operational, in development and secured pipeline beds across seven countries, delivered through its real estate and commercial operations businesses.

In 2016, GSA's portfolio and operations expanded, forming strategic partnerships with blue-chip capital providers, launching its Australian business by securing 2,500 beds for development, securing and funding its first development project in Japan, opening a high-profile operation in Beijing and acquiring substantial portfolios in both the UK and Germany. In 2017, GSA will continue to grow in its core markets, notably in Australia, Ireland, Germany and Japan.

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GSA's Investment Management business has $1.5 billion funds under management. Struan will be responsible for setting the overall direction of the group's investment strategy. He will lead a 30-strong investment management team across the EMEA and APAC regions as well as GSA's regulated Funds activities.

He will also continue to build upon procedures and disciplines, optimise investment returns, and continue to develop relationships with the capital partners that fund investments alongside GSA.

Struan joins GSA with an extensive track record in real estate investment and finance around the world. He has also played a significant role in various industry bodies.

Speaking on his new role, Struan said: "I am excited to be taking up this role and look forward to using my experience in real estate and hospitality to shape a disciplined investment strategy, drive performance of the investment vehicles, attract new capital partners and build GSA's growing profile in the sector."

Nicholas Porter, GSA chairman, added: "I am delighted to welcome Struan to the business. Struan will ensure the capital investment needs of GSA's global investor base are best matched to a pipeline of high quality, geographically diverse student accommodation assets.

"This appointment continues to strengthen GSA's Investment Management team to achieve our goal of optimal risk-adjusted returns."