Lok’n’Store announces board shuffle

Lok’n’Store Group chairman Simon Thomas has stepped down and will be replaced by chief executive Andrew Jacobs. Jacobs will manage the strategic direction and property aspects of the company, and Thomas will assume a non-executive director role, the company said. Lok’n’Store has also promoted sales director Neil Newman-Shepherd to group managing director. He will take on “an increasing level of responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the business”, the company said. In addition, Jeff Woyda has been appointed as a non-executive director. He has been chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Clarkson for more than 13 years. Jacobs said: “Neil Newman’s promotion to managing director is well-deserved and reflects in large part the reality of the way we run the business today. Neil’s part in the success of Lok’nStore over recent years has been significant and we look forward to his continued contribution to our future growth. “I would like to express my thanks to Simon Thomas for his many years support in the role of chairman at Lok’nStore. “Jeff Woyda’s appointment as an independent non-executive brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having held senior roles across multiple disciplines. He will be a valuable addition to the board as we enter a new period of growth and I look forward to working closely with him.”   To send feedback, e-mail lucy.alderson@egi.co.uk or tweet @LucyAJourno or @estatesgazette