Following a career of 43 years at SieMatic UK, managing director Bernard Otulakowski has announced his retirement.

He will be succeeded by Kerry Furber, who has worked for the luxury German furniture brand as national sales and marketing manager.

Furber joined the company as southern regional sales manager in 2015, before being promoted four years later.

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Bowing out, 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 relationships 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.”

However, he added it was time for a new approach to marketing the global brand online: “My timely departure will allow the SieMatic brand to enter new untrodden territory and remain one of the leading brands within the industry.”

Furber’s appointment comes at a time when the company is planning to grow its digital offerings.

She said: “Being Bernard’s successor is a huge role to fill but having worked with SieMatic for 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.”

In addition to the new managing director, the SieMatic team has appointed Samantha Povey, who has 11 years experiences working with luxury German kitchen brands, as northern regional sales manager.