Long-standing managing director of SieMatic Bernard Otulakowski has retired after 43 years with Siematic UK. Taking the helm of the luxury German brand is Kerry Furber.
Otulakowski has been managing director for 20 of the 43 years he has been with the company.
Furber’s career has progressed with Siematic; she started as a regional manager in the south before being promoted to national sales and marketing manager before taking up managing director.
Commenting on his retirement, Otulakowski said: “I have been both proud and privileged to work and represent this design lead global brand all my working life. Many of our dealerships I have known for 40 plus years, which is a true testament not only to the brand but the relationship we have forged. In fact, I have had the enviable task of working with some of the strongest, loyal and professional studios within the kitchen industry.”
“My timely departure will allow the Siematic Brand to enter new untrodden territory and remain one of the leading brands within the industry.”
SieMatic is keen to grow and personalise its digital offerings, and Furber will push that side of the company. She said: “Being Bernard’s successor is a huge role to fill, but having worked with SieMatic for best the best part of almost a decade, I’m certainly ready well-equipped and experienced enough to take on that mantle.
“In fact, I’m really eager to push the digital side of our strategy further. This will allow us to maximise our growth in the UK luxury kitchen market and give as many people as possible the type of premium lifestyle experience that Siematic can offer.”
Meanwhile, the Siematic team have appointed Samantha Povey as the new northern regional sales manager. Povey has 11 years of experience working with luxury German kitchen brands.
Povey said: “I am so thrilled to be joining the Siematic team, especially at such an exciting time with developments in innovation coming to fruition. Client’s expectations are growing and changing all the time, I hope to bring a dynamic, solution-based approach to assisting dealers with innovative ideas to drive sales forward and support them in their journey.”