Luxury real estate agency Kollosche has appointed Ben Summons as its new Chief Operating Officer to drive the business into a new era of growth.
Mr Summons brings 25 years of experience in high-level positions at national and global food and beverage companies, such as Carlton Breweries, Kraft and Stone & Wood.
In his new role, Mr Summons is responsible for overseeing the long-term growth and development of the business and its people while identifying potential efficiencies and recognising avenues for progression and innovation.
“I’m all about getting things done,” Mr Summons said.
“Throughout my career I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds, and I know how to engage and motivate them to work towards a common vision.
“When people feel engaged and committed is when a business operates at its best.”
Mr Summons started his career in a media buying agency before joining Carlton & United Breweries in market intelligence and brand management.
He later moved to food company Mondelez (formerly Kraft), relocating to Malaysia with his family, where he became managing director and the “head of chocolate” for Southeast Asia.
After returning to Australia, Mr Summons took over as CEO of Byron Bay brewing company Stone & Wood.
“My role was to continue growing the business in a sustainable way that was in line with the company’s values and vision,” he said.
“That was the brief. Not to just grow at all costs. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Over five years, which straddled the pandemic, Mr Summons doubled the size of the business.
For the past three years, he has been working as a coach and consultant, mentoring successful people and executives in the business space.
“Kollosche is an exciting, strong and innovative business, with lots of opportunity, and I feel I can really help to strengthen that and drive the business towards an even better future,” Mr Summons said.
“Michael has an outstanding reputation as an industry leader and as a person, with strong values, vision and a big heart.
“I love to work in places with those kinds of foundations.
“There’s positive energy here and good people, and I will be working with everyone across the business to help drive it forward.”
