Luxury Redifined!

BY AYUSH MADAN

Kevin Gambir is a titan of the luxury furniture industry in Bangkok, catering to those who prefer – and can afford – the finer things in life. Euro Creations, under Kevin’s leadership, has become an all-inclusive destination for luxury home furnishings, offering a curated selection of high-end products from imported brands around the world.

Kevin’s journey began after graduating from The London School of Economics, when he honed his skills at Depa Interiors in Dubai, a joint venture interior contracting firm. In 2010, he co-founded DDS Contracts & Interior Solutions (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a significant player in Thailand’s furniture manufacturing industry, laying the groundwork for what was to come. By 2012, Kevin returned to the family fold at Euro Creations as Vice President of Business Development, where he aimed to professionalise the business while staying true to his family’s long-term values.

Over the years, Kevin has expanded Euro Creations’ portfolio to include some of the world’s most exclusive Italian design brands, including Molteni&C, Natuzzi Italia,Cassina, Giorgetti, and more – always with a focus on providing not just luxury products, but also an exceptional customer experience. His commitment to excellence has positioned Euro Creations as a leader in the market, culminating in its milestone listing on The Stock Exchange of Thailand in February 2024.

Can you share your journey to becoming the CEO of Euro Creations and what inspired you to enter the luxury furniture industry?

My journey began with a foundational role as Head of Business Development, inheriting a position where I was effectively
the “son of the boss.” This role provided me with an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the business, with my main goal being the elevation and expansion of the business into new territories. A significant milestone was the implementation of a customer relationship management (CRM) system to build a valuable customer database. This initiative was crucial for driving our business forward. Four years ago, I began formalising our approach to the Non-Affiliated Investments (NAI) market for alternative investments, a key strategic move in our growth trajectory. I was inspired by the opportunity I was given: the opportunity to take our family’s luxury business, established in 1999, to new heights by adapting it to suit the market demands of today.

As a family business, how do you and your siblings collaborate and manage your roles within Euro Creations?

Managing a family business involves a strategic approach to professionalism. We strive to balance the personal and professional aspects by delegating responsibilities effectively. This ensures that while the family retains a key role, the business can run smoothly and professionally. We focus on long-term stability and avoid frequent management
changes, which helps in maintaining a consistent direction for the company. Our family business model emphasises planning for the future, and ensuring that all members are engaged and aligned with our long-term goals. We also ensure
that our management team feels secure and motivated, reducing. the concerns of job insecurity that might impact their performance. 

You’ve also integrated Technogym, a wellness company that is leading in the field of commercial and home gym equipment, into Euro Creations. Can you tell me more about this partnership?

Technogym’s integration with Euro Creations marked a significant expansion into the lifestyle segment. Originally a design company, Technogym’s merger with us brought a new dimension to our offerings beyond traditional furniture. This
partnership with Italian partners allows us to blend lifestyle products with our existing range. We’re opening a Central Embassy store in October, which will feature this expanded lifestyle focus. This move represents our commitment to offering not just furniture but a comprehensive approach to home lifestyle, including fitness and wellness solutions.

What sets Euro Creations apart from other luxury furniture companies, and how do you choose the brands and pieces in your collection?

Euro Creations differentiates itself by offering a curated selection of over 30 high- end brands such as Lutron, focusing on unique and premium pieces. We prioritise brands that align with both international standards and Thai tastes, ensuring that our collection is exclusive and relevant. This approach helps us cater to a niche market while maintaining a high standard of design and quality. We avoid overlaps in our product range, meeting with brand representatives personally to understand their vision and how it fits with our offerings.

How do you ensure that Euro Creations maintains a consistently-high level of customer service, and what role does ‘white glove installation’ play in this?

To maintain high service levels, we handle all aspects of customer interaction in-house. With over 300 employees, we manage everything from smart home programming to wardrobe installations ourselves. This approach avoids the pitfalls of outsourcing, such as training issues and staff turnover, and ensures consistency in service quality. Our commitment includes direct personal interactions with customers, providing them with a reliable point of contact and minimising frustrations like being put on hold. This personalised service is a core aspect of our ‘white glove installation’
approach.

What are the core values that drive Euro Creations, and how do they shape your business practices?

Euro Creations is driven by values of exceptional customer service and high-quality experiences. We cater to select clientele and focus on creating memorable experiences that foster word-of-mouth recommendations. Since 2006, we have maintained a consistent approach to delivering top-notch service and products, targeting the upper echelons of the market. Our core values emphasise a personable approach and dedication to excellence, ensuring that every interaction and product meets our high standards.

In what ways does Euro Creations incorporate sustainability into its products and operations?

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of our operations. We focus on creating products that are built to last, avoiding disposability. For instance, our furniture is designed for long-term use and can be reupholstered or repaired as needed.

We use FSC-certified wood and non- toxic, water-based paints, adhering to basic sustainability standards. Our partners are also committed to sustainability, producing annual reports that reflect their adherence to top practices. We have solar panels installed in all our buildings and are awaiting proper electric vehicle (EV) integration into Thailand’s infrastructure.

How would you describe your leadership style, and what principles guide your decision-making as a CEO?

My leadership style is consensus-driven, which, while sometimes slower, ensures that the entire team is moving in the same
direction. I believe that running fast alone might get you far but not necessarily to the right destination. Aligning the core team is essential for maintaining a unified approach, even if it means making decisions that require more time to achieve consensus. This method helps build a resilient and cohesive organisation that can navigate challenges effectively.

What do you do when you aren’t running the company?

Beyond my role at Euro Creations, I also oversee several service apartments in Ekkamai and Thong Lo. But outside of work,
I focus on spending time with my family. My wife and I welcomed our baby in January, and I’m now prioritising family time. I used to enjoy skiing in the French Alps, and sailing on the open seas, but my current focus is on enjoying time at home and embracing the “joy of missing out” (JOMO). This phase of life is about being present and enjoying the moments with my family, including the significant sacrifices made by my wife to raise our son.

What personal goals or aspirations do you have for the next few years, both professionally and personally, and how do you envision your legacy in the industry?

Professionally, I aim to continue expanding the company and managing the pressures that come with being publicly traded. I plan to focus on strategic decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Personally, I look forward to maintaining my current balance of work and family life. My aspiration is to leave a legacy of excellence in the luxury furniture industry, with Euro Creations reflecting our values and vision. We aim to sustain our growth and impact while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer service.