The Kailis Family
Evolving over more than three decades, the Kailis family has become the trusted source for Australian South Sea pearls. A Kailis pearl glows with a mercurial light, it is as individual as the human face and as precious as its memory.
The Kailis family’s long and distinguished maritime history can be traced back to Greece, where Captain Michael Kailis was a merchant seaman. Many years later, on the other side of the world, Captain Michael’s grandson, the young Michael George Kailis, set up a lobster business. The MG Kailis Group was born.
Today the MG Kailis Group is one of Australia’s leading marine corporations, providing international markets with the highest quality produce from its seafood and pearling divisions.
The family company entered the pearling industry in 1974 through its subsidiary Broome Pearls Pty Ltd and in little over a decade, had become a major player in the industry. It is now the world’s second largest producer of cultured Australian South Sea pearls.
The company remains proudly family-owned and run, despite the passing of Michael Kailis in 1999. Michael and Dr Patricia Kailis’ two sons, Alex and George, are Managing Director and Company Director respectively. Daughters, Maria and Amanda, also retain an active interest as shareholders in the Group.
