SSA UK Team

The SSA UK team is made up of 9 members of staff led by the current CEO, Rennie Schafer.

Please click on an image below for further information on each member of our team.

Rennie Schafer

CEO

Rennie is the current CEO of FEDESSA and the Self Storage Association UK, having previously been the CEO of the Australasian Self Storage Association for over 9 years. Rennie has extensive knowledge of the self storage industry across the world, from the developing Asian markets through to the birthplace of self storage in the USA. He has over 27 years of association management experience, 21 at CEO level. Rennie has an MBA from Deakin University and completed the Oxford University High performance leadership programme.

Helen Bourke

Operations Director

Helen is Operations Director at the Self Storage Association, taking up post in March 2019. Previously, Helen was Director of Membership Services at the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, a not-for-profit, national membership organisation where she spent 8 years working across membership, communications and events. Prior to this, Helen spent 12 additional years in the education, learning and training sector and a number of years working within the corporate sector.

She is passionate about the ‘member’ journey, great customer service and communications.

Bryony Pearson

Administration Officer

Bryony is the Administration Officer at the Self Storage Association UK, and joined in April 2014 as the Membership Services Officer, before transferring into her current role in March 2019. After graduating from the University of Chester with a degree in Mathematics, Bryony worked for the Cheshire Building Society (part of the Nationwide Building Society) and Marks and Spencer before joining the Association.

Bryony enjoys playing pool and spending time outside with family and friends, having previously owned horses and completed her BHS Stage 1 & 2 exams.

Hayley Wood

Accounts Management

Hayley joined the team in Dec 2021, initially to cover maternity leave, but has now taken on the role of accounts management. She has extensive administration and accounts experience in a range of industries including construction and education.

Hayley enjoys hill-walking in the Peak District with her dog Cookie who also joins us in the office sometimes.

Stephen Ramage

Membership Services Officer

Stephen joined the SSA UK in July 2021 as a Membership Services Officer. His main focus is on membership growth and with an impressive background in sales and customer service, he not only brings a wealth of experience to the team, but his enthusiasm, creativity and customer care skills are invaluable to the Association.

Emma Greenwood

Membership Services Officer

Emma joined the SSA UK in December 2023 as a Membership Services Officer. She has worked in the industry since 2017 as a Store Manager for two large operators and therefore has a wealth of sector knowledge and experience. Emma is responsible for retention and will be keeping in touch with, and visiting operator members. She is also the YSN Liaison Officer.

Darren Mo

IT Administrator

Darren is the IT Administrator at the SSA UK, having joined the team in August 2023. Focusing primarily on managing and enhancing the technical infrastructure of the business, his youthful exuberance and technological proficiency provides significant value to the association and its workflow.

Andrew Luisis

Creative Director

Andrew joined SSA UK in February 2024, spearheading the production and development organisation's visual communication. With over 20 years’ experience in graphic design, he's dedicated to driving brand engagement through meticulous planning and execution. Andrew's commitment to excellence ensures compelling visual narratives that amplify the association's marketing and communication endeavours.

Kate Marshall

Administrative Assistant

Kate is admin officer at SSA UK, joining the team in March 2025. She has a background in Pathology and Office Management amongst other things and is also a writer in her spare time. She loves horses and alpacas and is especially partial to a glass of prosecco.