Meet the Team

A group of self storage and software product development experts creating an industry redefining platform.

Leadership

  • Gavin Shields

    Co-founder & CEO

    As CEO, Gavin sets the company's strategic direction and recruits world-class talent for senior roles, relying on his dedicated team to handle operational tasks. In his free time, Gavin stays active with hockey, squash, and golf, and has completed Olympic triathlons and a Half Ironman. He also enjoys music and playing the piano.

  • Steven Hylands

    Co-founder & CSO/COO

    As CSO, Steven connects the dots across the company, solving problems and uncovering insights that drive Stora forward. Beyond strategic leadership, he loves to get into the weeds of creative work. Steven also manages a Slack community of over 780 Northern Irish creatives and has worked remotely while traveling across Europe in a campervan.

Sales

  • Rob Sweeney

    Head of Sales

    Our Head of Sales, Rob, is passionate about building scalable sales processes, driving new business, and optimizing account management to fuel growth and maximize impact. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing rugby, or chilling at his coffee container.

  • Laura Carlisle

    Account Executive

    Laura, an account executive at Stora, handles everything from first contact to closing deals, including customer demos and pricing. She's a proud mum to Ellie and her German Shepherd, Blu. Outside of work, Laura loves powerlifting, fast cars, and country music.

  • Dean Collett

    Senior Sales Development Representative

    Dean identifies new business opportunities and provides awesome product demos highlighting how Stora enhances operational efficiency. A passionate Southampton FC supporter, he loves all sports and is an avid music fan with over 1,000 CDs and 250 vinyl records.

Engineering

  • Phil McClure

    Co-founder & Principal Software Engineer

    As a Stora Co-founder and Platform Engineering Lead, Phil ensures the technology behind our services is robust, scalable, and seamless for everyone. When he's not building platforms, Phil can be found playing guitar or piano, or working on woodworking projects in his workshop.

  • Will McNeilly

    Co-founder & Principal Software Engineer

    Will leads the Product Engineering team at Stora, focusing on the technical delivery of the innovative product roadmap. When he’s not busy crafting cutting-edge solutions, you can find him immersing himself in the world of music—playing and producing tracks on guitar and drums.

  • Jeff Knox

    Senior Software Engineer

    As one of our engineering leads, Jeff plays a crucial role in shaping and driving projects forward. Ensuring that we deliver intuitive, user-friendly features for our customers. Outside of work, he loves riding bikes, is a Formula 1 fanatic and can complete a Rubik’s cube in 2 minutes.

  • Cristina Rotaru

    Senior Software Engineer

    As a Senior Software Engineer, Cristina leads the delivery of high-value features, excelling at breaking down complex requirements, mentoring teammates, and battling scope creep. In her spare time, she's still trying to catch 'em all in Pokémon GO.

  • Mark Leetch

    Senior Software Engineer

    An experienced software engineer, Mark’s background is rooted in infrastructure & network administration. He ensures the Stora platform runs efficiently and streamlines onboarding. Outside of coding, Mark channels his problem-solving mindset into gaming and electronics.

  • Aled Bidder

    Software Engineer

    Aled is a dedicated Software Engineer at Stora, where he plays a key role in developing and maintaining our industry-leading features. Aled is a passionate Welsh-speaker from Swansea who loves rugby and spending time with family.

  • Jack Riminton

    Junior Software Engineer

    Jack is a versatile software engineer, handling tasks from Stripe payment integration to improving storefront aesthetics. Having previously served as an army officer, he now spends most of his time with his family, hiking, wild camping, and oil painting.

  • Eli Petkus

    Senior Software Engineer

    As a Senior Software Engineer at Stora, Eli develops new features, works on integrations, and solves bugs to keep everything running smoothly. When he's not fine-tuning code, he's likely fine-tuning his motorbike, his fitness at the gym, or honing his skills in combat sports.

Product

  • David Hughes

    Head of Product

    Our Head of Product, David, works closely with the development team to design and build features that move the needle. In his free time, he enjoys watching football and wrestling, and once a month, he and his friends set up a pop-up retro arcade in Belfast.

  • Eamonn Lavelle

    Senior Product Designer

    Eamonn is our Senior Product Designer who shapes our fantastic user experience from concept to execution. When he's not bringing new ideas to life, you'll find him parked in his camper van by the beach, waiting for the next wave to roll in.

Marketing

  • Izaak Crook

    Growth Marketing Lead

    Izaak shapes and executes our marketing strategy, from paid ads and SEO to leading the marketing team. Outside of work, Izaak competes in local powerlifting competitions, tinkers with his fantasy football team, and is an avid concert-goer.

  • Jenna Wimshurst

    Content Marketing Manager

    As Stora's Content Marketing Manager, Jenna crafts compelling content that sets the standard in our industry, delivering value to both our customers and audience. When she's not creating content, she's playing tennis, reading, or obsessing over country music.

Customer success

  • Brian Young

    Customer Success Manager

    Brian plays a key role in helping our customers onboard smoothly onto the Stora platform, ensuring a seamless transition and overall experience. Brian is a big fan of music and travel, and loves attending concerts and exploring new places.

  • Stephen O'Neill

    Relationship Manager

    Stephen, our Relationship Manager, ensures smooth onboarding and long-term success while providing proactive, transparent relationships. When Stephen isn't at work, you'll likely find him either playing or coaching rugby, or enjoying live music.

  • Bradley Easton

    Customer Support Specialist

    As a support specialist, Bradley assists clients with inquiries and issues, ensuring that each client leaves the conversation satisfied. Outside of work, Bradley is a devoted Arsenal fan and firmly believes that pineapples belong on pizza.

Grow with Stora today

Join modern self storage businesses worldwide who grow sales, reduce costs and save time with Stora.