THE TRUST
Employee Ownership: A Shared Legacy
The finest work is achieved when every member of a high-performance team has a personal stake in its success. By transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, we have placed the future of Kaizen directly into the hands of the exceptional individuals who define our practice. This evolution ensures that the passion, skill, and heritage of our collective are preserved and championed for generations to come.
The Kaizen Employee Ownership Trust is guided by a pre-eminent Board of Trustee Directors, dedicated to representing our team’s collective voice and fostering the high levels of engagement essential to a talent-led organisation. For our clients, this means that every person shaping a commission is more than an employee; they are a stakeholder deeply invested in delivering technical perfection and a truly enjoyable journey.
MEMBERS
ANTONIUS WUBBEN
Founder & Trustee Director
The heritage and experience Antonius has given to this team, together with the energy, positiveness and ambition of the next generation will be a powerful combination for the future of Kaizen. After 40 years of being part of our most wonderful industry, he proudly serves as a trustee director, contributing to Kaizen’s further success and preserve the legacy of the company while gradually relinquishing control. Antonius & Bill set up Kaizen 32 years ago with the ambition to do something different within the world of bespoke specialist furniture, to push the boundaries while making it an unforgettable journey for whoever got involved. They attracted talent who share this same mindset, and this has grown from strength to strength to what we have become today. The loyalty and commitment they all have given Kaizen made way for the natural progression to employee ownership and undoubtedly will have a positive impact on the business. Antonius’s role is one of holistic oversight, providing support and high-level strategic advice. While transitioning, Antonius will spend more time with his family, his love for sport and personal ambitions as a racing cyclist.
PETER SMITHAM
Independent Trustee Director
Peter Smitham joins the Kaizen Furniture Makers Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) as an Independent Trustee. A client and friend of Kaizen for over 25 years, Peter brings more than four decades of world-class expertise in business growth, investment strategy, and philanthropy to our transition. Peter is a pioneering figure in global private equity. As a founding partner, Managing Partner, and Chairman of Permira, he spent 30 years helping build the firm into a world-leading investment manager. In 2002, he also assisted the British government in launching Actis, a sustainable investment firm for emerging markets, serving as its chairman for over a decade. Raised on a council estate in Swansea, Peter’s journey reflects the relentless drive for improvement at the heart of the ‘Kaizen’ philosophy. While earning his B.Sc. at Swansea University—later studying at Salford and Stanford Business School—Peter was an accomplished athlete, playing semi-professional football. This early commitment to teamwork and competitive spirit has defined his entire career. Dedicated to social impact, Peter chaired The Atlantic Philanthropies and founded his family foundation, Kiawah Trust, supporting gender justice and equality. At Kaizen, his oversight ensures our team and craftsmanship remain in expert hands.
CHRIS MONTROE
Employee Trustee Director
Chris has worked in the furniture industry for over 20 years, with his current role at Kaizen Furniture’s Operations Manager. In his time at Kaizen, Chris has developed a reputation of delivering high standards for its logistical requirements, ensuring each project is delivered efficiently and on time. Known for a hands-on leadership approach and keen attention to detail, Chris has played a key role in improving operational processes, assisting the company leadership and supporting a fast-paced and highly customised environment. Alongside his operational responsibilities, Chris has also become a Company Trustee, contributing to the organisation’s governance, strategic direction, and long-term development. In this role, they support the company’s commitment to excellence, and sustainable growth within the bespoke furniture sector. Other than furniture, Chris enjoys keeping rare exotic and aquatic animals, including fish and now spiders. His other love is his supportive partner Teresa and wonderful son Isaac, of which he enjoys spending time on many family excursions.
