KSS eKourier January Edition 2025

FEATURE

MESSAGE FROM SAM

L to R: Wellington Christmas Party 2024: Sam Kennard with Steve Button, Mel Hire and Simon Spring (Wellington KSS Team Members) and Andrew Kirkham, NZ Operations Manager

I n mid-December 1994, my dad visited me in our Wetherill Park centre, which I had been managing for over a year. Nev: “Sam, I am going to resign as Managing Director and hand over to you.” Me: silent, then “OK”, thinking he was giving me a good notice period with some plan in mind.

While my ambition had always been to lead the company, for this to happen at the age of 24 it was a complete ambush. I did not expect it in December 1994. I did not feel I was capable or even if I would ever be. My dad was very much a ‘push you in the deep end’ kind of person. It was a risk and he wanted to see what happened. Thankfully I didn’t blow it all up! I am grateful that when taking over the business was in good shape. KSS was profitable and there was no financial stress. Occupancy was okay but not at today’s levels, and not outperforming. It was doing fine though and I did not have to fix up a big mess. The people in the company were also all stable and experienced. The 1994-95 leadership team and people in the wider business were very supportive of my elevation and openly articulated that they wanted me to succeed. These old-school colleagues of my dad’s simply got behind the business and, importantly, helped me to grow and learn. I am also very grateful to have had these people

behind me at this time. Indeed, I still am.

While my 30 year anniversary as CEO passes by, I cannot commend and thank highly enough the enormous support from many people over the last three decades. It is particularly notable that we have a very enduring team in place that have been pivotal in our success with Jeff Xanthos (25 years), Darren Marshall (20 years), Fiona Harding (19 years), Michael Macheledt (19 years), Darryl Hodgson (19 years), Sharon Munro (18 years), Mary Nessek (18 years), Andrew Kirkham (16 years), Tony Vuong (13 years) and many others. This group and tenure shows the incredible support and loyalty are fundamental to the wider success of the business. In 1994, we had 12 locations while 30 years later we have added exactly 100 to now boast 112 open operating centres. There is also much to be excited about over the years ahead.

Nev: “You should move in to my office in the next few weeks.”

Me: “What?! That’s sudden!” (I did not see that coming).

Nev: “Also, I have rented an apartment in Aspen and we fly out on Boxing Day. I will be there for the whole year, maybe longer.”

Me: (Head explodes)!

While I had enjoyed meaningful partici - pation in the company before leading the business, the next year, 1995, was a particularly exciting and incred - ible year as I got my teeth into the business.

Sam Kennard Chief Executive Officer

3 Kennards Kourier Jan 2025