Former Hines executive Journo joins Yugo as European CEO. The Dot Group has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Ronen Journo as European chief executive of its global student living brand and operator Yugo. Bringing over 30 years of international real estate experience, Journo will develop and execute the firm's European and UK strategy in a bid to drive community performance and operational growth. He will aim to translate Yugo's global ambitions into locally relevant strategies, deepening relationships with universities, clients, asset owners and investment partners. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at WeWork and Cisco and was global head of management services and operations at Hines, spearheading its $91bn (£67.14bn) AUM portfolio and building its pan-European management platform, spanning subsectors including offices, retail, logistics, build to rent and student accommodation. He currently serves as a non-executive member for the Government Property Agency, a board adviser for the University of Westminster Business School and a member of University College London's estates committee. Nick Porter, chief executive of The Dot Group, said: "Ronen is an exceptional leader with deep international experience across real estate investment management and operations. He brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams, understands the importance of a strong global brand and delivering growth across multiple cultures and markets. "His global network and understanding of clients will be instrumental as we continue to deepen partnerships and build momentum across the region." Journo added: "Operations is where business value and human experience are created, and I've always believed the two belong together. Yugo's brand strength is this combination: long-standing partnerships, real operational heritage and teams who understand what students need day to day. "That's what enables our communities to help students live their best lives, not just find a place to stay. I'm grateful to Nick and The Dot Group for the trust placed in me to lead the next chapter of Yugo's European growth story, to strengthen our partnerships and keep improving that student experience."

The Dot Group, which also has offices in New York City, recently announced the acquisition of Campus Advantage via its property management arm Yugo.