Tom Martin, residency living manager for Student Living by Sodexo, won The Class Best Young Talent Award at the third annual Best in Class Awards on 6 November.

Tom joined Sodexo in 2014 and has spent the last two years developing and implementing a pioneering residency living offer for student’s at Northumbria University. By fostering a sense of community and offering a living learning experience, Tom has been able to develop a model with a changing demographic of students in mind.

Through innovation and his experience, Tom has helped to make the student experience at Northumbria University an easier and more inclusive one. He has introduced an online parcel management system, an online inventory system, and a Student Living by Sodexo App supporting market trends and the new generation of students.

The Class of 2020 logoBy engaging with students through social events, two-way feedback and market research, Tom has been able to design a residency living blue print which as been shared across the Sodexo business to bring consistency and best practice to all of Sodexo’s student residency programmes in line with the company’s values and mission – his aim is to make this model global.

On his win, Tom commented:

By developing a market leading offer, we will be continuing our support for students from Generation Z whilst they study, live and work on campus.

 “This recognition from The Class of 2020 means a lot to me – it affirms my loyalty to innovation and the use of technology to improve the student living experience. Thank you for the nomination and award.”

Organised by The Class of 2020, the awards celebrate the companies, institutions, and individuals going the extra mile in making student living more efficient, welcoming, and professional. The Class Awards were judged independently of The Class of 2020 by a panel of industry experts.

The panel of award judges said about Tom: “It is clear Tom is an incredible talent, constantly looking to improve the students experience through innovation, transparency and wellness. The nomination shows how passionate Tom is about community and ensuring his residents are part of that journey. An incredible young talent and ambassador for the Blended Living Sector”.

Fiona Stewart, Contract Director Student Living by Sodexo at Northumbria University, Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “Tom is a true Sodexo ambassador who lives and breathes residency living at Northumbria University. We are all proud of Tom’s accomplishments and his commitment to improving the student living experience."

Tracey Smith, Managing Director of Student Living by Sodexo, Sodexo UK & Ireland, also commented:

With Tom and our other management teams leading by example, Student living by Sodexo will continue to lead the way in providing a quality solution that supports both Universities and student needs.

The Class of 2020 Foundation was established in 2011 as a partner-based non-profit organisation aiming to further the professionalism and knowledge of living, learning and working in university cities. The Class of 2020 is now the largest student housing and co-living platform.

 

Pictured

Tom Martin, residency living manager for Student Living by Sodexo

Back to the list