California-based self-storage operator LifeStorage LP has appointed Ben Carr as chief investment officer and Vince Toenjes as general counsel. The new hires will assume their roles on March 23 and March 26, respectively, and will be based at the LifeStorage headquarters in Roseville, Calif.

Carr will spearhead the company’s acquisition process, including the development and execution of its investment strategy on a national level. Toenjes will oversee LifeStorage’s legal functions including acquisitions and real estate, asset protection, corporate and securities matters, compliance, governance, human resources, investor relations, risk management, and trademark monitoring.

“Ben and Vince have extraordinary self-storage knowledge and real estate experience, and we are excited to welcome them to our leadership team,” said CEO Mark Good.

Prior to joining LifeStorage, Carr served as vice president of investments for CubeSmart, a real estate investment trust (REIT). He also held the role of controller while at the company.

Carr began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he led audit and consulting engagements for numerous clients including public REITs, homebuilders and private equity. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on finance from Villanova University. Carr currently serves as a trustee of the John J. Tyler Arboretum and is an active member and former board member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Toenjes most recently served as vice president, real estate and associate general counsel for Coldwater Creek Inc., a specialty retailer with more than 375 stores, outlets and spas nationwide. Previously, he was a founding member of Gorrell Giles Gollata PC, a law firm focused on acquisition, financing, development and sale of commercial and residential real estate.

Toenjes began his career with Moye White PC in Denver, and his practice involved all aspects of commercial real estate. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, a master’s of science degree in finance from the University of Houston, and a juris doctor degree from the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. He also served on the Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit to the Colorado governor.

“Ben’s investment experience at a publicly traded REIT that is one of the largest self-storage players and Vince’s legal and operational leadership at a national specialty realtor add deep expertise to the management bench,” Good said.

Founded in 2011, LifeStorage currently owns, has under purchase agreement or operates 89 properties in nine states, with a heavy concentration in the Chicagoland area.

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