KitchenAid New Zealand has continued to strengthen its local operations under country manager Andrew Waller. Over the last two years, the brand has expanded its distribution, localised marketing plans, focused on in-store execution and the customer experience, which has led to consistent growth.

“I’m thrilled with the growth we’ve seen in New Zealand,” Waller said. “I attribute these continued results to the localisation of the New Zealand market and newly recruited talent to the team. By listening to our trade partners and being able to act and make decisions locally we’ve been able to grow consistently.”

Joining the KitchenAid NZ team earlier this year as national key account manager, David Jun has brought more than 10 years of account management experience from his previous role at Madmen Entertainment.

“It has been a steep learning curve in a completely new industry but very exciting to see how quickly we have grown in a tough retail environment,” he said.

Another recent addition to the team is Matthew Browning who has joined as key account manager for independent trade partners. After returning to New Zealand from seven years in Australia, Browning is now based in Christchurch to assist South Island trade partners and focus on the independent accounts across the country under one key contact.

KitchenAid Team on set of The Café TV series, L to R: Belinda Gazzard, Tracey Hinton, David Jun, Matthew Browning and Andrew Waller.

“It’s great to be living back in New Zealand and I’m really excited with the success we’ve had as a team so quickly,” he said.

Tracy Hinton is the longest serving member of the team, having been at KitchenAid for over four years. Within her role as sales, training and education executive, she oversees the brands inclusion at trade shows, which have been an important focus this year.

“It’s great to finally be doing these shows. I initially pitched this idea in my first interview with KitchenAid some years ago. They have now been put in action and provide our customers with an opportunity to engage with us and see our new products,” she said.

KitchenAid has featured at the The Food Show, The Great New Zealand Food Show, Auckland Home Show and Fieldays this year. KitchenAid also has regular TV features on The Café and The Great Kiwi Bake Off.

KitchenAid managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Richard Thom said he was impressed with how the team has continued to grow across the last two years under Andrew’s guidance.

“By localising the decision-making process and focusing on a clear channel management strategy they’ve been able to expand distribution and grow their current trade partners.”

KitchenAid will thank its trade partners for a successful year by holding an exclusive dining event in early December, hosted by celebrity chef and former Masterchef New Zealand judge, Josh Emett.