LUNA Students, a leading student accommodation operator, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Henderson as its Operations Director.

Stuart also joins LUNA Students as a business partner and shareholder, working alongside Dan Spencer, CEO of Torsion Group; David Worsley, COO of Torsion; Miles Dearden, Torsion Group Legal Director; and Louise Bena, Torsion Group CMO and Managing Director of LUNA Students.

This key appointment underscores LUNA’s commitment to driving operational excellence, supporting student well-being, and setting new standards within the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector.

Stuart, who takes up his new role at Torsion in December, will drive initiatives to streamline operational processes, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and enhance the student experience, driving sustainable growth and expansion for the business.

With over a decade of experience managing large-scale student accommodation portfolios across the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Spain, Stuart’s expertise aligns seamlessly with LUNA’s mission to elevate standards in both the PBSA and Build to Rent (BTR) sectors through exceptional service and innovation.

“We are delighted that Stuart is joining LUNA Students both as a business partner and Operations Director. This move is a significant milestone for LUNA, representing a leap forward in our dedication to operational efficiency and enriching student experiences,” said Louise Bena, Torsion Group CMO and Managing Director at LUNA Students. “His strategic vision and extensive experience will drive our mission to offer high-quality, trusted services that support both student success, operational partners, and joint venture partners.”

A New Era of Growth and Transformation for LUNA Students

LUNA’s vision is to create exceptional living environments that enhance the student experience and drive value for property owners. Stuart’s extensive background includes senior roles within global operators and institutional investment management, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on operational excellence and transformation in educational settings.

Stuart was also part of a team that became the first BCorp in the UK PBSA sector, an accreditation that certifies an organisation’s social, sustainability, and environmental performance standards, making them transparent to the public. A key aspect of Stuart’s role will be to leverage this expertise to advance LUNA Students’ ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, as well as other social impact programmes.

His unique approach will support LUNA’s growth, including the management of circa 3,000 operational beds, with an additional 297 beds under construction with Torsion Developments and over 3,200 in the pipeline.

“I’m pleased to join LUNA Students at this dynamic time for Torsion Group and the broader living sector,” said Stuart Henderson. “LUNA is attracting top talent from within and beyond our sector by keeping our values at the heart of everything we do. This approach allows us to deliver something truly distinctive for our residents and partners. As the PBSA landscape evolves, I look forward to driving innovation that provides safe, engaging, and fully managed living experiences tailored to the unique needs of today’s students.”

Expanding Footprint and Commitment to Quality in the PBSA Sector

With student accommodation residences already established in Leeds and new developments underway in Nottingham, Birmingham, and Warwick set for 2025, LUNA is experiencing rapid growth while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation. Properties developed by Torsion and managed by LUNA have achieved 3-Star Fitwel Certification and Very Good BREEAM Accreditation, positioning them among the healthiest and most sustainable environments in student accommodation.

For more information on LUNA Students, visit: https://lunastudents.co.uk/