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 was previously Donaldson Group’s retail and distribution CEO.
As part of its new structure following the buyout, Kitchens International has also set up a new management board, comprising entrepreneur Colette Grant, chef Tony Singh MBE, marketing expert Emma Aitken and technology specialist Martin Ewart.
Kitchens International says the new board will help provide strategic guidance, with its members’ expertise spanning entrepreneurship, hospitality, luxury brands, marketing, recruitment, technology and business transformation.
As part of its growth strategy, Kitchens International also says it has plans to open three new showrooms in Scotland this year, in Loch Leven, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The openings will take the company’s total number of employees up to 40.
First founded back in 1994, multi-year 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 both Grand Designs and 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 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 exceptional experiences for our customers – while supporting our ambition to grow our presence across Scotland in a sustainable and considered way.”
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.”