Inspired Villages appoints Nick Edwards as CEO

Inspired Villages has appointed Nick Edwards, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Edwards has a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the later living sector, as former Chief Operating Officer of Audley Group. In this role he was responsible for growth, sales, marketing, operations, care, development, finance, technology and legal. Prior to Audley Group, he was Chief Financial Officer of Moorfield Group.

Simon Century, Managing Director of Housing at Legal & General, in line with his other Chairmanships across L&G’s housing businesses, has been appointed as Chairman of Inspired Villages. Simon has a rich understanding of Inspired’s business already and has worked closely with the team for the past few years.  

Together Edwards and Century will look to successfully deliver the next phase of the business plan and remain committed to creating a world-class Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) operator and developer.  Established in 2017, Inspired Villages is an award-winning operator and developer of later living communities in suburban and rural locations across the UK.  It is backed by a joint venture partnership between Legal & General and NatWest Group Pension Fund. 

Edwards and Century replace the outgoing CEO and chair of the business, Jamie Bunce and Phil Bayliss, who, alongside other members of the senior leadership team, Neal Dale, James Cobb and Lawrence Cramer, are stepping down from their roles to explore new ventures. Their deep contribution to the business over the past seven years has ensured solid foundations have been laid for the next phase of growth.  

Simon Century, Managing Director of Housing at Legal & General, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Nick. His wealth of experience and leadership experience in the later living sector and beyond makes him a terrific leader for the exciting next stages of the business. I look forward to working with him to drive forward the next stage of our growth plans for Inspired Villages. I’d also like to thank Jamie, Phil and the rest of their senior team for their significant contribution to the business.”