SmartStop Self Storage, which operates 136 facilities in 17 states and Canada, has promoted Wayne Johnson from senior vice president of acquisitions to chief investment officer (CIO). Since joining the company in 2006, Johnson has overseen the acquisition of more than 136 self-storage facilities comprising approximately 11 million square feet as well as the development of four new properties in Toronto.

“There is no doubt in my mind Wayne will excel in his new role as CIO,” said CEO H. Michael Schwartz in a company press release. “He will oversee all acquisitions, joint ventures and development of SmartStop’s three self-storage [real estate investment trusts].”

Johnson entered the commercial real estate business in 1979. He has extensive experience in all areas of commercial development and leasing, including self-storage, office and warehouse properties, the release stated. He’s developed, managed and operated 14 storage facilities with more than 1 million square feet. He’s also a past president and former board member for the Texas Self Storage Association.

“I’ll continue to work with the acquisitions team using our disciplined approach to the market as we take the company to the next level. We’ll continue to buy a range of properties, from single assets to larger portfolios, and capitalize on growth opportunities as they present themselves,” Johnson said. “The self-storage market has further opportunities to consolidate. Since we deal with a variety of brokers and sellers, our goal is to grow and foster these important relationships.”

SmartStop is the operating brand of Strategic Storage Trust Inc., the fifth public self-storage company in the United States and the first self-storage company in the public non-traded REIT marketplace. It’s also the sponsor, adviser and property manager for the newly launched Strategic Storage Trust II Inc., a public, non-traded REIT specializing in stabilized properties, and Strategic Storage Growth Trust Inc., a private REIT focusing on self-storage acquisition and development.

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