news Kitchens International completes management buyout
KBBREVIEW AWARD-WINNING Scottish retailer Kitchens International is now independently
owned after completing a
management buyout, and has also unveiled plans for three new showrooms this year. Previously owned by The Donaldson Group, the management buyout was led by Graham Johnston, who worked as Donaldson Group’s retail and distribution CEO until December 2025. Following the buyout, Kitchens International has also set up a new management board, made up of entrepreneur Colette Grant, chef Tony Singh MBE, marketing expert Emma Aitken and technology specialist Martin Ewart. Kitchens International’s new board has been
formed to provide strategic guidance as the business accelerates its growth plans, with the members’ expertise spanning entrepreneurship, hospitality, luxury brands, marketing, recruitment, technology and business transformation. Kitchens International also has plans to open
three new showrooms in Scotland this year, in Loch Leven, Edinburgh and Glasgow, which will take the company’s total number of employees up to 40.
agility – investing in our people, our partners and the spaces we create for our clients. “The introduction of our Advisory Board
represents an exciting and important step forward for the business. Their unique perspective and wealth of experience will strengthen our ability to innovate,
challenge convention and deliver First founded back in 1994, multi-time
kbbreview Award winner Kitchens International has a well-earned reputation for supplying kitchen, bathroom and living space projects across Scotland. The company has also been featured on Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’ and the BBC’s ‘Scotland’s Home of the Year’. “Relationships, innovative design and lasting
quality have always defined KI,” explained owner and CEO Graham Johnston. “Our structure and talented team provide a strong platform to grow sustainably, and as an independently owned business we can operate with greater focus and
Haier names new MD for UK and Ireland
FOLLOWING THE RECENT news that UK managing director Diego Perrone will be leaving Haier, the company has appointed
chief commercial officer Jim McEwan to lead the business in the UK and Ireland.
McEwan officially stepped into the role on May
11, and has been with Haier UK for six and a half years. In total, he has more than two decades of experience in roles across the home appliance industry, with Haier saying his deep understanding of brands, customers and long-term strategy will position him strongly to lead the business into the future.
“I’m genuinely excited to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for Haier UK & Ireland,” McEwan commented. “We have an incredibly strong team, a powerful brand portfolio and a clear ambition to keep raising the bar in consumer- focused home appliances.” “Having worked closely with our partners, retailers and
internal teams for many years, I’m looking forward to bringing even more focus, energy and alignment to the business. There is a lot to do, but there is even more to look forward to. Haier’s commitment to innovation and customer excellence is unmatched in the market. “My priority is to continue building on that momentum and
ensure we deliver the performance, service and leadership our customers expect.”
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exceptional experiences for our customers.” Advisory board member Tony Singh MBE added: “I’m proud to be joining KI’s Advisory Board at such an exciting time for the business. Having experienced Kitchens International as a customer, I’ve seen first-hand the quality, creativity and attention to detail that goes into every project. The team has a genuine passion for design and customer experience, which is something I immediately connected with. “KI has a strong heritage, a clear vision for the
future and ambitious plans for growth, and I look forward to supporting Graham and the wider team as they continue to build on that success.”
l For more on this story, turn to The kbbreview Interview on page 22.
Bathshack opens first showroom outside Ireland
BATHROOM RETAILER BATHSHACK has opened its first showroom outside of Ireland, with the launch of its new Cheadle store marking the business’ 13th location. Originally founded by Peter Dunlop in 2009, Bathshack has been steadily increasing its number of bathroom showrooms for the past 17 years, with locations across Ireland from Belfast to Dublin. The retailer’s new Cheadle showroom
opened at Stanley Green Business Park on June 18, with its team holding a grand opening event. Bathshack says its new showroom has a
grand total of 57 design displays, with products that have been researched to
kbbreview
appeal specifically to the area’s “style- conscious market”, for those looking for bathroom suites, showers, flooring and lighting solutions. Additionally, Bathshack says the new
showroom will create four new jobs in the area, led by showroom manager Clint Heaton. “I am incredibly proud to be part of Bathshack’s integration into the UK, and with Cheshire residents being so style and design-conscious, I can’t think of a better location,” Heaton said. “Myself and the team are eager to offer
our expertise to homeowners and guide them through each step of their bathroom renovation journey.”
August 2026
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