CEO Retirement and Appointmen

RNS Number : 6222Z

Safestore Holdings plc

18 January 2011

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 January 2010

Safestore Holdings plc

 ("Safestore" or the "Company")

CEO Retirement and Appointment of Successor

Safestore Holdings plc, the largest self storage retailer in the UK and Paris, announces that following Steve Williams, Chief Executive Officer, expressing his preference to retire from the business in 2011 the Board conducted an extensive executive search for his replacement.

The Board are today pleased to announce his successor Peter Gowers, whose most recent role was Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ("IHG PLC").

Steve Williams will leave the Company on 30 April 2011 after handing over to Peter Gowers who will join Safestore on 1 February 2011 and become Chief Executive on 1 March 2011.

Peter, aged 38, began his career at Arthur D.Little before joining the strategy group of Bass PLC in 1999.  He joined Bass's hotel division as Head of Strategy in 2001 and became Head of Global Brand Services for InterContinental Hotels Group PLC in 2003 before being appointed as IHG's Chief Marketing Officer in 2005 and as Chief Executive, Asia-Pacific in 2007.

Safestore's Chairman, Richard Grainger, said:

"The entire Board and I are extremely grateful to Steve for his enormous contribution to the success of the Company and for his outstanding leadership of Safestore since his appointment as Chief Executive in January 2002.

Steve led the successful flotation in 2007 and today, we have a high quality self storage business throughout the UK and Paris. He has provided a solid platform for the Company's continued success and we appreciate his intention to remain in the business until 30 April to ensure a smooth handover.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Gowers whose business and marketing experience will help Safestore build on the firm foundations established by Steve."

Steve Williams, Chief Executive commented:

''I am very proud of what we have achieved at Safestore and during my time as Chief Executive the business has grown from 24 stores to 118 stores across the UK and Paris.

The achievements that have been made would not have been possible without the unstinting support and commitment of all my colleagues both in the UK and France. I would like to thank them all and wish them well for the future.

I will be handing over to Peter a strong and resilient business with a great team of people that will continue to benefit from its market leading position."

Peter Gowers, said:

"I am honoured and delighted to be succeeding Steve.  Safestore is a strong business with outstanding prospects.  I look forward to working with my new colleagues to develop our brands and continue our growth."

Safestore Holdings plc confirms that there are no other disclosures to be made pursuant to paragraph 9.6.13R (1) - (6) of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority regarding the appointment of Peter Gowers.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Enquiries

Safestore Holdings plc
Richard Grainger, Chairman	Tel: [phone]
Steve Williams, Chief Executive	Tel: [phone] on 18 January 2010 and thereafter on 020 8732 1500
www.safestore.com
Hudson Sandler	Tel: [phone]
Nick Lyon / Wendy Baker

Notes to editors:

·     Safestore is the UK's largest self storage group with 118 stores including 96 wholly owned stores and 12 stores under management throughout the UK and 22 stores in Paris.

·     The Company provides storage facilities to over 41,000 domestic and business customers.

·     Safestore (excluding Space Maker stores under management) has a maximum lettable area ("MLA") for self storage of 5.2 million sq ft (including 10 expansion pipeline stores) of which 2.94 million sq ft was occupied as at 31 October 2010.

·     As the UK's only national self storage provider, Safestore is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of companies requiring a national service.

·     A strong balance sheet and operational cash flow along with increased bank facilities allows Safestore to invest in continual improvements in the operational performance of its stores, in new store development and acquisitions where appropriate.

·     Safestore employs around 500 people.

 

END

 

 

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