Dominus strengthens PBSA team with two new directors
Dominus, a leading real estate developer, owner and operator in the hotel and student living sectors, has today announced two new senior hires ahead of the launch of its student housing platform in 2026.
John Blanshard has joined as Director of PBSA, with Sarah Reynolds appointed as PBSA Operations Director. The pair will establish Dominus’ student platform ahead of the completion of its three City of London developments.
Dominus is on-site delivering 2,300 student beds in the City at 65 Crutched Friars, 65 Holborn Viaduct (both due to complete for the 2027/28 academic year) and 65 Fleet Street (2028/29). Across the UK, Dominus has an additional 1,500 student beds consented or in pipeline.
The student living platform will build on the success of its Dominus Hospitality platform, which is on track to achieve £100 million in annual recurring revenue by 2026.
Blanshard and Reynolds will be responsible for preparing the business to launch its student platform, creating a new brand, building relationships with university partners, and delivering premium student homes tailored to modern academic and lifestyle needs.
John Blanshard, Director of PBSA, joins Dominus with extensive experience in student accommodation and residential operations. Most recently, he served as Director of Asset Management, Student Housing (UK) at Mapletree. He previously held senior roles including Chief Customer Officer at Unite Students and Director of Operations at Grainger Plc. At Dominus, John will have overall responsibility for the PBSA portfolio, guiding the strategic development and delivery of the student platform.
“Dominus has an exciting opportunity to shape the next generation of student living in London and beyond. I’m thrilled to be joining at this key moment to help create a brand that not only sets new standards for the sector but enhances the student experience in the capital,” said John Blanshard, Director of PBSA.
Sarah Reynolds, PBSA Operations Director, also chairs the Association for Student Residential Accommodation (ASRA), the leading organisation for student living professionals. Before joining Dominus, she led customer-focused operations at iQ Student Accommodation and has over 20 years of leadership experience across student living and retail. At Dominus, she will lead the operational rollout of the company’s student platform, ensuring it delivers a best-in-class experience for its future residents.
“Students today want more than just a place to stay — they want community, wellbeing and a home that grows with them. I’m delighted to join Dominus and look forward to building an operational platform that will exceed these expectations,” said Sarah Reynolds, PBSA Operations Director.
Preet Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer at Dominus, said: “Welcoming John and Sarah to the team is a key next step as we look to launch our student platform in 2026. Their expertise in PBSA, combined with our hospitality and operational track record, will deliver market-leading developments in the heart of London that will create a best-in-class student living experience. We look forward to working with John and Sarah to welcome more top talent to our growing student housing team.”
