Angelo Kotses

Angelo Kotses’ journey began humbly. His family migrated to Australia when he was four, leaving behind their small, impoverished village in Greece in search of a better life. He calls Australia the “lucky country,” a place where a child from nothing could one day graduate from university. At the University of South Australia, he seized that opportunity, completing a Bachelor of Business in Marketing.

Whilst UniSA gave him the structure he needed; his most important takeaway was that marketing wasn’t just about selling products; it was about telling stories – something he not only enjoyed but excelled at. When he first encountered Bickford’s in the early 1990s, the company was in receivership, struggling for survival.

Against the odds, he chose to consult and later invest – not because the numbers made sense, but because the story did. He saw a trusted South Australian brand with a rich legacy that still resonated with customers. In his eyes, the potential was endless.

Since then, Bickford’s has grown under his guidance into a group of thriving entities: Bickford’s Beverages, Vok Beverages, and homewares and lifestyle brands Karma Living and Wheel&Barrow. Today, the group’s products are sold in 47 countries. More than 600 people work across the businesses, and their wellbeing is what drives Angelo every single day. His philosophy is simple: treat everyone with respect, no matter their role. A crucial lesson from his grandparents, that no one is better than anyone else, still shapes how he runs the business. He makes it a point to greet colleagues by name, to stay approachable, and to build an environment where failure is acceptable and seen as a gateway to growth.

Angelo may be at the centre of the Bickford’s story, but at the heart of his own is his family. His late wife Mary was not only partner in life and love, but also in business. Together they raised two daughters, who today work beside him and remain central to his success. Through every moment of his journey, there is a clear, ever-present thread: love. Love for his family, for the people he works alongside, and for the opportunities Australia has given him. While much has been achieved, Angelo’s story is still being told, with far more chapters yet to come.

< 2025 Alumni Awards