A Different Perspective with Duncan Garrood, CEO Empiric Student Property

This week Nick talks to Duncan GarroodDuncan Garrood is CEO of Empiric Student Property, Originally trained as a scientist, he transitioned into the corporate world, spending 20 years at Unilever in various global roles across production, sales, and marketing. He played a key role in expanding business operations, including launching an ice cream division in China. Over the years, he took on leadership roles in hospitality, aviation, and leisure, overseeing transformations at companies like Punch Taverns and Ten Entertainment. His career has been defined by adaptability, embracing opportunities across different industries, and executing successful turnaround strategies and large-scale expansions. Nick and Duncan discuss strategic growth, transformation, and market positioning, particularly in the student property sector with Empiric Student Property. Duncan emphasised the importance of aligning business strategy with market demand, particularly in catering to international and postgraduate students seeking a premium, boutique accommodation experience. They explored the challenges of acquiring and optimizing property portfolios, adapting to economic shifts, and navigating investment landscapes. Duncan also highlighted the role of data-driven decision-making, customer-centric business models, and maintaining a strong brand identity, drawing parallels between his past experiences in multinational corporations and property investment. Duncan's Book Choice was:I, Robot - Isaac Asimovhttps://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/i-robot/product/HD_302753825?sku=HD_302753825Duncan's Music Choice was:Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamondhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6pnwfWyaWjQiHCKTiZLItrThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.