Franke Australia Managing Director, Phillip Ross (below) has made the decision to retire at the end of August 2023, after more than 13 years with the company. Former ASKO Australia and New Zealand Sales and Marketing Director, Owen Holbourn (above) will succeed Phillip as Managing Director, effective 24 July 2023.
With more than a decade of experience with globally recognised automotive and consumer electronics brands, Owen brings valuable industry knowledge and expertise, as well as a comprehensive understanding of premium brands and their customers to his new position at Franke Australia.
Most recently, Owen spent seven years as Sales and Marketing Director for ASKO, and prior to that as head of key accounts at Miele.
In 2009, Phillip founded the company, then called PR Kitchen & Washroom Systems (PRKS), and at the same time bought Franke’s distribution business. Since then, Phillip and his team have successfully grown the business and in 2016, Franke acquired a 49% stake in the company, taking over the remaining PRKS shares four years later.
Over these years, Phillip, together with his team, has made a valuable contribution to expanding and strengthening the Franke business in Australia and New Zealand, to cement a strong market position.