Business Big Shot: Ian Coull

Rebecca OConnor & ,}

Age 59

Position Chief executive, Segro

Total compensate 1,061,000

Sometimes an event is as well great to miss so it was that Ian Coull at the moment set in reserve Segros concentration on integrating Brixton, the opposition it took over last August, to swoop on the 111 million of industrial airfield properties on suggest by BAA.

The deal, that cost 224 million, together with a half-share of the debt in the Airport Property Partnership a corner try with Aviva Investors is Segros greatest merger given the Brixton takeover. But, not wanting to crop up profligate, Mr Coull pronounced yesterday: Our priority stays to have Brixton work well. We dont wish to give the sense that we have taken the eye off the ball. But infrequently an event to raise a portfolio unequivocally is as well great to miss.

He need not worry. For the moment, Mr Coull, 59, is the man who can do no wrong in skill circles. His feat was concurred by his peers last night at the Property Week awards, where he walked afar with the understanding of the year endowment for the adventurous Brixton takeover, undertaken at a time when the industry was in the doldrums.

His nominations in 3 alternative categories skill association of the year, celebrity of the year and businessman of the year are a magnitude of the high courtesy in that the passionate Scot, arch senior manager of Segro given 2003, is held. The Perth-born franchised surveyor had formerly won regard for offered Segros American multiplication for $2.9 billion in 2007.

It is a jot down that will mount him in great stead as he completes the last stages of Brixtons integration, that by all accounts is going smoothly.

He and the rest of the staff not long ago changed in to their new offices on the sixth building of Cunard House, in Lower Regent Street, Central London, that is all open-plan, together with Mr Coulls desk.

He proposed his career at 18, operative in a legislature contemplating bureau whilst he complicated for his qualifications. At 25, he began operative at Cavenham, Sir James Goldsmiths company, prior to relocating to Texas Homecare, the DIY chain. He changed to J Sainsbury when the association was taken over by Ladbrokes and outlayed fifteen years there, as head of the skill portfolio, prior to receiving the helm at Segro, that was afterwards called Slough Estates.

(Rebecca OConnor)