Decades of Executive Leadership in Self Storage & Associations

With over twenty three years at CEO level of trade associations and self storage companies across three continents Rennie Schafer has shaped policy, spearheaded regulatory standards, and guided investment frameworks across global markets.

There are few people with the depth of knowledge of the self storage industry than Rennie. Having worked with operators of all sizes from small container based stores to publicly listed multi country operators. He has seen the industry grow from its infancy in Europe, Australia and Asia and helped businesses grow and become more profitable.

His Association experience is equally impressive, having worked in Associations for 28 years at a senior level. He has led Federations as well as local associations in areas as diverse as the meat industry and self storage. He has spoken at numerous international association events and received awards for event organising and governance. He has also facilitated strategic planning sessions for a range of associations.

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Milestones and board-level experience across the global landscape.

Trade Association Leadership

Served for over 22 years as CEO across premier UK European and Australasian self storage associations. Spearheading unified operational standards, pan-European regulatory advocacy, and comprehensive benchmark reporting for hundreds of independent and institutional operators.

Global Industry Representation

Delivering headline keynotes and strategic policy contributions across international summits in London, Berlin, Beijing, Sydney, Las Vegas and more. Advising cross-border investment consortiums, real estate funds, and municipal bodies on market maturity frameworks and institutional asset performance.

Business transofrmation

I have a long history of facilitating positive change in businesses. Be that the associations I managed, members businesses that I assisted with complex projects, or other Associations that I worked with to transform their governance or events. I give my clients the tools for change and guide them on utilising them.

Rigorous analysis meets decisive operational execution.

I partner with executive leadership to dismantle complex operational bottlenecks, unlock resilient capital structures, and architect clear roadmaps for sustainable organisational growth.

Independent Integrity

I offer an objective, independent perspective grounded in experience, providing candid advice focused solely on achieving the best outcomes for my clients.

Data-Driven Rigor

I believe in basing decisions on verifiable data from your business, enterprise metrics, and empirical market validation.

Actionable Strategy

I design pragmatic, high-impact strategies built for seamless deployment within existing organisational frameworks and operational cadences.

Short term gains and long term progression

I want to work with clients to achieve their long term goals, rather than just the short term "easy wins".