Safestore names incoming chairman

Self-storage group Safestore Holdings has appointed David Hearn as chairman. Hearn will join the company as a non-executive director on 1 December, before taking on the role of chairman at the start of 2020. He is currently chairman of the a2 Milk Company, which is listed in New Zealand and dual-listed on the ASX. He is also a director of Lovat Partners, Committed Capital and architectural firm Robin Partington and Partners. Previous roles include chief executive at consumer goods businesses Goodman Fielder in Australasia, United Biscuits in Europe and Asia, Cordiant in the US and the UK and also private equity and advisory firm Committed Capital. Hearn will succeed Alan Lewis, who announced his intention to retire from the board in January, following five years as non-executive chairman and more than a decade as a member of the board. Lewis will formally retire from the board on 1 January. Frederic Vecchioli, chief executive of Safestore, said: “Alan has played an important role in overseeing Safestore’s outstanding growth journey. During his five years as chairman, Safestore has delivered a total shareholder return of more than 440%, making it the leading performer in the UK REIT sector and fifth highest TSR in the FTSE 250. “David will be an excellent successor and brings a proven track record of chairing companies through significant expansion. His extensive experience and commercial knowledge will be invaluable to Safestore as we drive the business forward through our next phase of growth.” Hearn will also be appointed as chair of the nomination committee with effect from 1 January, and member of the remuneration committee from 1 December 2019. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette