The managing director of buying group KBBG has just announced he will be stepping down to retire before the end of this month, and has named Owain Harrison, current global business and brand development director at Novy, as his successor.
Miller leaves the role after founding the KBBG – part of European KBB buying group Der Kreis – more than a decade ago. When it was first launched, it was described as the UK’s first independent buying group for the KBB industry.
Harrison will assume the mantle of managing director of the group on January 1 2025. He has over 20 years of experience in brand development, strategic growth and operational leadership for the premium kitchen market. Within that time, he has spent seven years at Novy, with the KBBG saying he has transformed the company from being a market entry to being a “recognised lucury leader in the UK and Ireland”.
Harrison’s prior career experience also includes senior roles at Hoover Candy and Indesit, and he also served as corporate chair at the KBSA.
Commenting on his new appointment, Harrison said he was delighted to be joining Der Kreis as managing director in the UK. He continued: “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 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.”
Bill Miller also commented: “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.”
Reflecting on his own legacy at the buying group, Miller continued: “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.”
At the buying group’s annual conference earlier this year, the KBBG also announced it was launching a new partnership with the KBSA, that will see KBBG members able to access a discounted KBSA membership rate. Speaking at the annual conference, Miller expressed his belief that the KBB market would return to more stable conditions next year, and that retailers would see “better conditions” in 2025.