2nd Mar 2026 12:30
(Alliance News) - Big Yellow Group PLC on Monday said Chief Executive Officer Jim Gibson will retire in July after more than two decades leading the self-storage operator, with Chief Operating Officer John Hunter set to succeed him.
The Bagshot, Surrey-based company said Gibson will step down as CEO and from the board with effect from July 20, 2026, following the firm's annual general meeting.
Hunter, who joined Big Yellow in April 2024 as COO and was appointed to the board in July 2025, will take over as CEO.
Gibson is a co-founder of Big Yellow and has served as chief executive since 2003. He helped build the business from its launch in 1998 into a FTSE-listed self-storage group with a market capitalisation of GBP2.01 billion.
Big Yellow shares were down 1.2% at 1,022.00 at Monday midday in London.
Executive Chair Nicholas Vetch said Gibson had been "the critical force" behind the company's rise to a market-leading position.
"The planning for this transition has been nearly four years in the making," Vetch said.
He added: "John has had two years with the company, and it has become abundantly clear that he has all the operational, financial and strategic skills to lead us in the next stage of our evolution. Most importantly he has proved to be an excellent cultural fit."
Hunter previously served as UK chief operating officer at HomeServe PLC and held senior management roles at Dixons Carphone PLC.
Gibson said: "I have full confidence in Nick and both Johns to successfully deliver our business plan and to take Big Yellow forward while rewarding all stakeholders."
By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter
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