about. Learn what makes Ivory Egg special
Ivory Egg are a technical distributor of the world's best building technologies.We supply to trade installers, who we educate and support to deliver the very best solutions for the projects they are managing.
Better buildings for a better world Building technology means many things to many people - from beautiful switches and ease of use, to energy saving and building management. We are all about providing the best possible outcome for the life of the building, the people who live in it, own it and surround it and the people who create it.
We believe System Integrators are the key as they can pull together diverse technologies to create simple, cohesive and reliable solutions for each building. Our aim is to help their businesses achieve this.
Interior Designers and Architects are critical influencers in the design of great buildings. We help them to choose the right systems that enhance their designs and fit their clients budgets.
Engineers need the best possible advice and guidance in planning building systems, so to them Ivory Egg provides education and assistance that is unique and based on years of experience.
Ivory Egg hatched in 2005 with the hope of bringing the concept of a ‘smart home’ to life. Rather than focusing on installing the technology that powers smart homes, Ivory Egg has always sought to source and supply ‘Best of Breed’ products to support installers. Ivory Egg founder Colin Price adopted KNX as the control platform of choice and ever since our team have raised awareness of KNX in the UK and are now a centre of ‘egg’cellence.
We pride ourselves on being independent and although we are a small team we are growing fast and continue to contribute to the phenomenal growth of KNX in the UK. Whether you are an Installer, Architect, or M&E consultant, if you are in the “Smart” building industry we can help with product information, technical advice or even training.
Meet the NZ Team
Romesh Anandaraja
MANAGING DIRECTOR
After completing a physics degree and post graduate qualification in strategic management Romesh entered the audio visual and automation industry. Over the past twenty five years he’s been involved in almost every aspect of the industry, including some of the worlds most sophisticated residential and super yacht projects, many of which have won international awards. In his spare time he’s a keen musician, playing the Piano, Violin, Drums, Guitar and Bass.
Stephen Tankard
TECHNICAL & TRAINING
Stephen joined Ivory Egg in early 2016, having gained experience of KNX whilst working for a CEDIA member company in London. Stephen oversees technical support and training for Ivory Egg NZ. He's both a certified KNX Tutor and certified Passive House consultant. He loves a challenge and has competed in the non-stop cycling "Race Across America” three times - sensibly as team manager, not as a rider!
Bobby Merai
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Bobby comes to Ivory Egg with extensive experience in the electronics, electrical and HVAC industries. He was first exposed to home/building automation at ABB where he was tasked with introducing KNX into the NZ market. Bobby did his KNX training at ABB, and helped deliver some of the first KNX projects in NZ, both domestic and commercial. His passion for KNX also saw Bobby become one of the original founding members of the KNX National Group of NZ. Just prior to joining Ivory Egg Bobby spent five years with Siemens working in HVAC controls for commercial buildings. Outside of work, Bobby enjoys running, collecting vinyl records and spending time with his family.
Shamir Nathu
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Sam joined Ivory Egg in early 2019, having previously worked in the airline industry and has come from a support analyst background. For Ivory Egg he has completed the KNX partner course and is the Operations and Purchasing guru. Outside of work Sam has a keen interest in cars and boxing.
Meet the AU Team
Craig Chapman
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Craig has an electrical trade background, with experience in technical sales and marketing, business development and business management. He holds two postgraduate degrees, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Business and Commerce with marketing specialisation (MBC). Craig was a founding Director of the KNX National Group of Australia in 2010/11 and is currently serving the national group as Chairperson. He has been actively involved in the promotion of the KNX Standard within Australia and New Zealand and is passionate about the ongoing application of open standards, building technology within our built environments.
Kellie Brown
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Kellie has been with Ivory Egg Australia since the beginning and has over 30 years experience in bookkeeping. In her spare time, she loves to travel and hang-out with her grandchildren.
Simon Harvey
NATIONAL TECHNICAL & TRAINING MANAGER
Simon is a qualified electrical contractor with over 20 years experience installing and programming home automation systems that are still common in the industry today. Before Ivory Egg he was installing KNX and worked for an international manufacturer for over 10 years. He is a certified KNX tutor and has a strong passion for innovation and support. When he is not working, he can be found enjoying the water and family time.
Sydney Royce
SALES TERRITORY MANAGER - NSW/ACT
Sydney joined the Ivory Egg team in 2018. With experience in customer service and strategic planning, she enjoys building relationships with our customers and has great enthusiasm to keep learning about KNX and the building technology space. Based in Sydney, Sydney manages the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory region. In her free time Sydney enjoys being active outdoors and going to the gym.
Eduan Naude
SALES TERRITORY MANAGER - VIC/TAS/SA/WA
Ed has had a long-standing involvement in sales and distribution of AV products, having started in the industry over 20 years ago in South Africa before moving to Australia in 2008. Based in Melbourne, Ed has responsibility for Ivory Egg’s customers in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. When he is not working, Ed enjoys spending time with his young family, being active and going to the movies.
Paul Knott
SALES TERRITORY MANAGER - QLD/NT
Prior to working for Ivory Egg, Paul ran his own successful electrical contracting business in the industrial/commercial sector for 17 years. He loves new technologies and has been involved with KNX for several years. As a Sales Manager he likes to build strong customer relationships and looks to find the best solutions for their projects. He lives on the beach which he loves, and he enjoys mountain biking and frequenting a few local craft breweries.
Lara Biain
Marketing Communications Specialist
Lara brings her passion for communication and her degree in Journalism to her role as Marketing Communication Specialist at Ivory Egg. With a talent for crafting engaging and creative marketing strategies, Lara is poised to help Ivory Egg grow its brand and expand its reach. Prior to joining Ivory Egg, Lara worked as a communications specialist for a large multinational corporation in Argentina, where she developed a reputation for her ability to connect with audiences through innovative messaging and campaigns. In her free time, Lara enjoys reading a good book by the beach.
Shaena Um
CUSTOMER SERVICE & LOGISTICS SPECIALIST
Shaena is skilled at building authentic connections and has a passion for elevating people’s experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in International Business, and has over 4 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 2 years in the expert network industry. Her expertise lies in consulting and project management, working closely with clients across the financial sector. Outside of work, Shaena enjoys spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun.
Juan Saltarin
Warehouse Operations SPECIALIST
As a dedicated Warehouse Operations Lead, Juan leverages his background as an Industrial Engineer to optimise operations and enhance productivity. Juan is currently pursuing a degree in Leadership and Management and is committed to continuous learning, with plans to further his expertise through a Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Outside of work, Juan enjoys hitting the gym for a good workout and exploring new restaurants.
Meet the UK Team
Monika Dove
General Manager
Since 2013 Monika has worked in the Construction and Distribution industry, bringing a wealth of experience, more recently as a business unit director. Monika’s role is a dream combination! Her law degree and analytical mind have stood her in good stead throughout her career. Monika has excelled in leadership roles and continues to demonstrate her expertise in generating business growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, alongside a passion for property renovation.
Craig Suff
Account Manager
With a degree in Business and years of experience in the retail sector, Craig is on hand to support our key accounts with everything they need. Originally in a purchasing role, Craig’s product knowledge and phone manner meant he was perfect for a more customer facing position. A fan of football, Craig is normally being disappointed by Southend United.
Sophie Thomas-Pitt
Marketing & Business Manager
Sophie has worked in Marketing and PR since 2010 for a variety of household names and supporting KNX UK. She is also a two-time KNX UK award winner. Her experience combined with business management skills has earned her the unofficial title of ‘Swiss Army Knife’ within the team. Sophie looks after UK marketing and PR, Events and social media, as well as supporting other business functions as required. When not working you can find her planning, or taking a trip to a new destination.
Chris Pereira
Business Development Manager
Chris has over 8 years’ experience in the electrical industry as a qualified installer, and has also worked for a key manufacturer in the KNX industry. Chris has built key relationships in the KNX industry, and he brings both technical and sales experience to his role as Business Development Manager at Ivory Egg. When Chris isn’t working, he likes spending time with family, socialising with mates over a G&T or you’ll find him fishing on the bank.
Adrian Kudla
Account Manager
After achieving a first-class law degree, Adrian sought a new challenge, and the world of technical sales was calling. His previous retail experience and friendly manner means he is a natural with people, and this shines through when talking with customers on the phone or at trade shows. Since joining Ivory Egg, these skills have been put to great use as Adrian has taken on the responsibility of managing our online training platform that helps electricians get started with KNX. When he’s not working (or snacking) he can be found in the gym or taking a trip to a new holiday destination.
Charlotte Tarr
Purchasing & Logistics
Charlotte has worked within accounts for over 20 years, with experience in a vast range of sectors including the building trade. With good knowledge of sales, purchasing and bookkeeping she joined Ivory Egg in 2021 to handle our Purchasing and Logistics. Charlotte also plays a key role in Credit Control. In her spare time, she enjoys watching football and walks in the Peak District.
Meet the Group Team
Jo Ward
Business Systems Manager
Jo has been a part of the Ivory Egg Team since 2012 and has a background in customer service and order processing. Jo initially worked in a logistics and purchasing role at Ivory Egg UK but her expertise and finesse with spreadsheets led to a jump to looking after the website and the 'behind the scenes' data management for the whole Ivory Egg Group. Jo’s evenings and weekends are usually spent either crocheting mini creatures for friends, or walking down by the sea.
