Grainger nabs Unite man for operations role

Listed residential landlord Grainger has appointed John Blanshard as director of operations. Taking up the role on 29 March, Blanshard will join Grainger’s executive committee and will be responsible for the firm’s national operations, customer service, customer experience and health and safety, including Grainger’s Live.Safe programme. Blanshard joins from Unite Students where he was chief customer officer, sat on the executive committee and was leader of its operations board, with responsibility for national operations across its portfolio of 177 properties and 76,000 customers. Earlier in his career, he worked at Aldi Stores where he was managing director. Grainger chief executive Helen Gordon said: “John’s extensive and highly relevant experience within successful, customer-facing operational businesses will support Grainger’s focus of delivering great homes and great service to our rapidly growing customer base. Our operational platform delivers significant shareholder value, and as we continue to grow our portfolio over the coming years and leverage our operations, we will enhance shareholder returns further.” Blanshard said he “looked forward to working together to maximise our potential for great customer service, leveraging Grainger’s operational platform for the betterment of our customers, shareholders and all stakeholders”.   To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette