KSS April Edition eKourier 2025

WHO’S WHO

TEAM MEMBER PROFILES

Amber Xiao Assistant Manager - Gladesville, NSW

Alan Burvill Manager - Thebarton, SA

Tell us about your career background: I have mainly worked in retail since I was 15 years old from general sales to Management. Then 10 years with the Royal Navy, where I volunteered for Submarine Service. After this I was a Store Manager, a Manager for a soft furnishing store and then Tesco’s as a Night Shift Manager. Since being in Australia I have worked for St Gobain Glass as a supplier and then as a merchandiser for Crossmark. I Then settled with Kennards and now about to experience my fourth centre at Thebarton. What do you enjoy doing when not at KSS? (Hobbies/ Interests)? I am an avid historical wargamer, I also enjoy caravanning and love any historical based podcast. What are you reading now? Normandy 44 by James Holland and The Cruel Victory by Paddy Ashdown. What are you watching now? Rouge Hero’s. What favourite foods or restaurant would you recommend? Sunday roasts and I love all desserts especially Bakewell Pudding. Would also recommend the Eastern Garden Chinese Restaurant in Norwood. Where did you grow up and what was it like? I grew up on the South Coast of England in Littlehampton, a seaside town on the river Arun. I spent most of the time at the beach, amusement arcades or on the South Downs. Favourite hangout people when not at work? I Have a great circle of close friends that are very good company. Favourite holiday destination or interesting place you’ve been to? The North Pole, Pompei in Italy, down to the Island of South Georgia and a lot of places in between.

Tell us about your career background: I worked in China for two years as a General Manager and Executive Sales Manager. During Covid in Australia, I worked as a Manager in The Factory in Gosford for almost four years. I moved to Sydney and worked as a Retail Manager in POP MART for two years and now I am with Kennards! What do you enjoy doing when not at KSS? (Hobbies/ Interests)? Reading, playing instruments, gaming and shopping. What are you reading now? Asian history, it covers the WW II parts. What are you watching now? The Boys, Mandalorian, sometimes Friends as background noise. What favourite foods or restaurant would you recommend? My favourite brunch is Pina. I would recommend everyone to try it. The problem is you need to wait in line for at least half an hour. Where did you grow up and what was it like? I grew up in Shenzhen, a modern metropolis in southern China, right next to Hong Kong. It’s one of China’s fastest-growing cities and a global tech hub. I Spent 19 years in Shenzhen. Favourite hangout people when not at work? That would be Silvia and Cathy. Cathy and I were classmates for nine years and we became besties and I met Silvia while I was doing some volunteer work for a Buddha Temple. Favourite holiday destination or interesting place you’ve been to? My favourite holiday destination would be Phillip Island in Melbourne where I have watched the small penguins coming from the ocean.

4 Kennards Kourier April 2025