The Kailis Family History
The Kailis family first came to the Australian shores in 1917 from the small trading Island of Kastilorizo located in the Greek Islands. George Peter Kailis worked in the cane fields of Innisvail Queensland, to the southern forests of Western Australia, until eventually settling in Perth and creating the humble foundations of what is now a business empire. His four sons have all been successful in taking his lead and working hard, to build the dream, and have now expanded to compete in the international arena.
The eldest of the boys Peter founded Red Rooster, a conglomerate of barbecue chicken fast food outlets, which was later sold to the Coles Myer Group. His sons went on to manage the fast food chain long after it was sold.
Theo Kailis (Kailis Organic Director), the next eldest in the family has been in business for over 50 years. For most of this period he has held the position of CEO or Chairman for the following companies:- G P Kailis & Sons, Ross Group International, West Ocean Canning Pty Ltd, Austral Fisheries Pty Ltd, New Fishing Australia Pty Ltd, Lobster Australia Pty Ltd and Kailis and France Foods Pty Ltd.
Initially the G P Kailis & Sons company was family owned but when the company was taken over in 1960 by an international public company Theo Kailis continued as Managing Director until he retired in 1975 to establish his own company, Kailis and France Foods. In 2004 Theo sold the ‘ready-to-eat’ food manufacturing side of Kailis and France Foods; however the Kailis and France Group still remains under his leadership.
Kailis and France Holdings is a leading seafood processing and fishing group in Australia with export markets in Asia, USA and Europe. The group has been involved in foreign joint ventures in many countries and currently Theo is Executive Chairman of a joint venture with the largest food / fishing company in Spain.
The third brother in line, Michael Kailis is the Chairman of Kailis Brothers Fish Markets (KFM), the largest distributor of fresh fish and frozen product in WA. With a distribution network spreading into the eastern states of Australia and South East Asia, KFM are looking at an expanding future.
Mark Kailis the son of Peter oversees Kailis Organic Olive Groves as Managing Director and is hands-on where necessary. Through 18 years of experience in viticulture, winemaking and agribusiness, Mark would be one of the most experienced people behind any olive project in Australia.
The Kailis family continues to prosper today, with future generations expanding their business opportunities, whilst always ensuring the reputation of quality and good service is ever present.
