Family History

From Kastelorizo to Australia

The Kailis family first came to the Australian shores in 1917 from the small trading Island of Kastelorizo located in the Greek Islands. George Peter Kailis worked in the cane fields of Innisfail 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 Kailis Family

Peter Kailis, the eldest of the  four boys,  operated packaging manufacturing operations for multi nationals, until in 1974 he founded Red Rooster, a national chain of barbecue chicken fast food outlets.

Theo Kailis, 2nd of the four boys, for over 50 years occupied the positions 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,  a leading seafood processing and fishing group in Australia with export markets in Asia, USA and Europe.

"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."

Michael Kailis, 3rd of the boys, is 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 have an expanding horizon.

Victor Kailis is owner of Kailis Fish Market Café, the award winning fish market restaurant which services Western Australia’s largest tourism market from Fremantle Boat Harbour.

Mark Kailis, the son of Peter, founded and oversees Kailis Organic Olive Groves as Managing Director. Mark’s hands-on capacity in every aspect of the business, based on his many years in viticulture, winemaking and agribusiness, makes him one of the most experienced people behind any olive project in Australia.

 

The Kailis Family, 1934 Perth