The Dot Group has promoted Jim Sholders to Chief Executive Officer of Yugo USA, the North American division of its global student living brand. Announced in Austin, Texas, on 29 September 2026, the executive move comes 12 months after Yugo acquired Campus Advantage, marking the full operational integration of the business into Yugo.

Sholders originally joined Yugo as President in 2025, taking charge of a portfolio operating across 30 US cities. During his initial year, he developed the executive leadership team and worked to standardise operations and branding. He also introduced the brand’s Live Your Best Life initiative across the American assets, supporting record renewal rates exceeding 40% in 2026.

As Chief Executive Officer, Sholders will head performance and expansion across North America, focusing on digital and physical offerings for students, clients and partner universities. His core responsibilities include building leadership talent, strengthening partner ties and elevating operational service standards across all properties. With over three decades of US student housing experience, Sholders previously held executive roles at Campus Life & Style and American Campus Communities, overseeing more than 450 student communities. He holds a BS from West Virginia University, is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and works as a licensed real estate broker.

The appointment occurs alongside broader US expansion plans for parent firm The Dot Group. Globally, Yugo manages over 160,000 students in 280 communities across 14 countries. Operating as a top ten US operator, the firm intends to triple its American portfolio. Sholders will also join The Dot Group’s global Executive Leadership Team as part of his new position.

Nick Porter, CEO of The Dot Group, said: “Jim has unrivaled breadth and depth of experience in the US student housing sector, having spent over three decades dedicated to evolving the sector, delivering for students, universities, clients, investors and team members.”

“His exceptional leadership during the integration of Campus Advantage over the past year has solidified Yugo’s position in the market. It makes him exactly the right person to lead our North American business and drive the growth of the Yugo brand as we look to triple our US holdings.”

“Jim is loyal, astute and knowledgeable, and his appointment will enhance our relationships with clients and partners, as much as it will help deliver this ambition.”

Jim Sholders, CEO of Yugo USA, said: “I’m honored to take on this role. Our focus remains unchanged: delivering an exceptional and consistent student experience for our residents, clients and partners, while continuing to invest in the people, technology and consistency that make that possible. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place as we pursue our next phase of growth.”