news
Owain Harrison Appointed as MD at *KBBG F
rom 1st January 2025, Owain Harrison, currently Global Business and Brand
Development Director at Novy (part of Middleby Residential), will take on the role of Managing Director at the *KBBG (part of DER KREIS), the UK’s leading independent buying group for the KBB industry. This announcement comes as Bill Miller
prepares to step down from the role at the end of the year after more than a decade of dedicated service. Having launched KBBG as the UK’s first independent buying group for the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry, Bill has played a pivotal role in growing the organisation into a thriving community for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers. This marks an exciting new chapter for the
organisation as Owain brings over 20 years of global experience in brand development, strategic growth, and operational leadership in the premium kitchen sector. Owain has been an integral part of the Novy team for over seven years, transforming the brand from a market entry to a recognised luxury leader in the UK and Ireland before expanding its global footprint. His experience includes senior roles with Hoover Candy Group and Indesit Company, as well as serving as Corporate Chair at the **Kbsa.
Ahead of his appointment, Owain
comments: “I am delighted to be joining DER KREIS as Managing Director in the UK. With the KBBG’s commitment to empowering independent retailers and delivering exceptional quality, the organisation aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation in the kitchen and bathroom industry. I look
Owain Harrison Bill Miller
forward to continuing the excellent work carried out by Bill Miller, together with Russell Sharpe, Neil Whitaker and Louisa Cole, leveraging our experience to strengthen the members’ market positions, drive growth, and enhance the customer experience. The need for independent retailers to maximise their margins and business relationships is more urgent than ever, and we will continue Bill’s work to drive excellence throughout the KBB industry.” Reflecting on his tenure, Bill says: “It has been an absolute honour and pleasure supporting independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, it truly is a wonderful, resilient sector. Thank you to DER KREIS for giving me the opportunity to build the *KBBG brand, it was a pivotal moment in my career, and I’m proud to say that we exceeded all expectations. Championing independent retailers and watching their businesses grow has been a real privilege.” Bill also expresses confidence in his
successor, stating: “My position at the *KBBG is
being handed over to the most capable hands in Owain Harrison. Known for his strategic insight, Owain has consistently delivered exceptional results through brand building, market analysis, and executive relationship management. I wish him every success at KBBG and know that he will be an excellent addition to the team.” Bill’s legacy includes building a strong
and ever-growing membership, fostering collaboration within the KBB sector, and securing a robust portfolio of suppliers, all of which have made the *KBBG an invaluable resource for independent retailers. Owain’s leadership promises to build on this foundation, ensuring continued support for independent KBB retailers while driving innovation and growth in the sector. For more information on the KBBG, call 023 8202 1347 or email
info@derkreis.co.uk. You can also visit the website at
www.kbbg.co.uk. * KBBG [Kitchen and Bathroom Buying Group] ** Kbsa [Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association]
Gaggenau UK Director to retire G
aggenau, the luxury brand for professional- grade home appliances, announced this
December that Simon Richmond, Gaggenau UK Director, will be stepping down later this month to enjoy his retirement. Simon joined Gaggenau in 2020 and has played
a pivotal role in its recent success. During his four and a half years in the role, he has
driven the continued development and growth of the brand as well as its portfolio of products. Simon joined Gaggenau from Poggenpohl
Group, where he was Managing Director of UK operations since 2012. Prior to this, he was Director of Operations at Poggenpohl, a role he held from 2007 when he joined the Group after spending 14 years with Jewson.
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www.ierdaily.co.uk Commenting on his retirement, Simon said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Gaggenau and am proud of the successes we have achieved as a team. I am sure the brand will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming years and I wish them every success.” Gunjan Srivastava, CEO, BSH UK & Ireland,
said: “I would like to thank Simon for his hard work and dedication to the Gaggenau brand during his time with us. He has been instrumental in the recent growth we have enjoyed and has created a fantastic platform for us to build on. We wish him well in his retirement.” A successor will be announced in due course.
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE Winter 2024
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