Cooper’s team will concentrate on acquiring high-quality, ready-let urban and big box logistics opportunities where St. Modwen can utilise its development expertise to modernise and reposition older buildings and enhance their environmental performance.  

St. Modwen, which was acquired by Blackstone in 2021, has the capacity to deploy significant capital into new investment opportunities alongside the company’s existing development pipeline over the coming years.    

Prior to joining St. Modwen, Cooper spent 21 years at InfraRed Capital Partners (IRCP), a global investment manager, leading the assembly of several value-add and core-plus funds.  During his tenure as director and head of Origination for UK and Ireland, he built a strong track record in the logistics and light industrial sector.  

At St. Modwen, he will expand the existing five-strong transactions team and work closely with Polly Troughton, managing director of St. Modwen Logistics, and Blackstone to source and execute acquisitions that complement its development programme.  

James Cooper, head of Transactions, St Modwen, said: ‘This is an exciting time to be joining St. Modwen, one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics platforms. We will look to grow the business through the acquisition of single assets, portfolios and existing platforms, targeting all asset types from big box, through to last-mile urban logistics, recognising the vital role they all play in modern supply chains. Our conviction for logistics is underpinned by a number of long-term structural drivers, including the growth of e-commerce, and we are well-placed to capitalise on any short-term market volatility.’

Polly Troughton, managing director of St. Modwen Logistics, said: ‘James’ arrival underlines our considerable growth plans, with a renewed focus on acquisitions alongside our ambitious development programme. Over the past few years, the importance of logistics space as national infrastructure and an economic driver has become better understood and appreciated but there remains an acute shortage of supply in many parts of the UK. Our strategy is to own and manage the space that supports businesses of all shapes and sizes across the country, and I look forward to working with James and the team to further accelerate the growth of our portfolio.’