Prior to Europe, Gant was responsible for much of the growth in the company's domestic real estate portfolio, according to Charles Barbo, Shurgard's Chairman and CEO. While Barbo was in Europe, adds Barbo, the company's interest in self storage in Europe "evolved from an uncertain business proposition into position of clear market leadership." Shurgard is now the largest developer and operator of self-storage properties in Europe, with nearly 100 locations in six countries.

Grant joined Shurgard in 1985 as its US director of real estate investment and development. In 1993 he became EVP. When Shurgard decided to expand its operations into the European market in 1996, he was appointed president of the European division. Last month, Grant stepped down from his role as President of Shurgard Europe and assumed the position of Chairman of Shurgard Europe.

Prior to joining Shurgard, Grant worked for nine years with the auditing and consulting firm of Deloitte & Touche (Touche Ross), where he specialized in serving clients in the real estate, construction and engineering industries.