Speakers
Francesco Sacchi
Albano Costa Lobo
Duncan Bell
Session
There is a lot going on in the world of self storage, from automation and technology to sustainability and industry consolidation. Here from our panel of industry professionals from across Europe and of various sizes as they analyse the industry and look to the future.
Born and raised near Lake Como, Italy, Francesco got into self storage five years ago after spending some years in corporate finance. The opportunity came when he had an empty building and decided to bring the self storage concept to areas outside the big city.
He first came across self storage during his university years in the U.S.—an experience that, unconsciously at the time, shaped his understanding of what matters when you're unfamiliar with how self storage works or what to expect. That perspective has stayed with him and has been really helpful for the Italian Market.
Since starting out, they have grown steadily, opening one facility per year. Today, they operate five locations, all in one local area. The stores are smaller by design, focused on architectural quality, often choosing to sacrifice some net leasable space to create a better customer experience. Most importantly, he is fortunate to have an incredible team of associates who manage the facilities with care and professionalism.
Albano is Co-founder and executive at Control Space, managing a Self-Storage portfolio in Portugal. Control Space is the fastest growing Self-Storage platform in Portugal with 10 facilities. Albano oversees operations, sales, marketing, IT and HR. Since founding Control Space in 2021, he has leveraged his prior years in fund management experience to grow the firm to over €50 million in equity investments.
Previously he worked at Man Group (AUM ~$150 billion), within the Man GLG division in London on the investment team for sustainable equity income and responsible investment hedge fund strategies with over $600 million AUM. His responsibilities included portfolio management, investor relations, marketing, and trading support. Albano's career also includes positions as a Private Banker at Banco Nacional Ultramarino in Macau and at EY in Madrid.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from IE Business School in Madrid.
Albano is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. His interests include movies, yoga, and skiing.
Duncan Bell has been Chief Operating Officer since 1 January 2023 and is a member of the Company’s Executive Committee.
He leads the field and commercial operations , with a strong emphasis on enhancing the omnichannel experience and optimizing the customer journey.
He was previously Vice President of Operations (since 1 January 2014), where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence.
Duncan Bell joined Shurgard in April 2009 as the Market Manager for the UK. Throughout 2013 Duncan was also Market Manager for The Netherlands.
Duncan joined Shurgard from the travel industry where he worked for Travelbag as Sales Director and then Head of Travelbag from 2006-2008. Prior to that Duncan worked as General Manager for Trailfinders in Manchester, Glasgow and London from 1992-2006.
Duncan holds a BA (Hons) in Economic History from the University of Sheffield.
