Leading Mideast banker joins GSA Group

Dubai / Emirates Business

One of the most respected bankers in the Middle East, Rick Pudner, is joining GSA Group as non-executive director.
GSA Group are world leaders in student accommodation and Mr Pudner will provide strategic advice and support as GSA continues its global expansion. His background and best practice in the areas of risk, governance, compliance and structures will provide complementary experience to the Group. Pudner’s significant global relationships with banks, institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds and private investors will support the GSA Investment Management platform.
After 25 years with HSBC in senior management roles across jurisdictions including Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Frankfurt, Mr Pudner became Group CEO of Emirates NBD after successfully leading the merger of Emirates Bank with the National Bank of Dubai. It created the region’s largest bank, by assets, and was by far the biggest corporate merger in the region at the time. Pudner was responsible for navigating the bank through the financial crisis as it faced numerous challenges ensuring that liquidity, funding and capital positions were maintained and improved upon.

Pudner said: “GSA Group is one of the leaders in an exciting and growing global sector. The management team pioneered the development of student accommodation, its operational direction and created the asset class for investors. I am looking forward to helping GSA realise its growth ambitions.”

GSA Group funds, operates and manages student communities across three continents, with the aim of establishing a presence in major university cities worldwide. The GSA management team has already worked with over 100 of the worlds leading universities.

GSA Investment Management provides access to student accommodation investment opportunities on a managed account, joint venture or fund basis.

This year, GSA opened the first off-campus dedicated student accommodation facility in Dubai, Uninest Student Residences at Dubailand, marking the group’s entry into the Middle East.

Nicholas Porter, Executive Chairman of GSA Group said: “Rick’s wealth of knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset to us and we’re delighted to have him join GSA.

“We are at the forefront of significant student accommodation opportunities on a global level and Rick will help us realise our growth ambitions, while focusing on key areas of our Investment Management business such as investment analysis, governance and banking relationships.”

Pudner, 59, is based in Dubai, and is also a board member of Genpharm, Elysium Capital Partners and Beehive DMCC.

GSA has nine offices around the world in Dublin, Bristol, London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Sydney.