Andy Humphreys, Managing Director UK & Ireland (SVP) at MillerKnoll and head of Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS), has spent over two decades in the furniture industry, building a reputation for strategic acumen, client-focused leadership, and thought leadership in workplace innovation. His career spans progressive roles at Herman Miller, where he oversaw significant accounts and drove business growth across the UK and Ireland. Today, Humphreys is at the forefront of CBS’s global expansion, with India emerging as a key market in the company’s growth story.
Innovation as a Growth Driver
MillerKnoll recently launched over 30 new products in a single year, a feat that underscores the company’s commitment to innovation. Humphreys explained that growth is being driven by both new product development and recovery in workplace demand. He highlighted CBS’s recent launches—Flow X, a heavy monitor arm designed virtually during lockdown, and Flow Now, a successor to their best-selling Flow arm, which has sold more than 4 million units worldwide.
“We’re always looking to bring innovation into the marketplace,” Humphreys said. “Flow X was designed during lockdown, with the team collaborating virtually, sending designs to 3D printers, and sharing models remotely. It was a testament to how innovation can thrive even in challenging circumstances.”
European Trends and Global Strategy
When asked about European workplace trends shaping global product strategy, Humphreys emphasized the similarities between Europe and India rather than differences. “It’s not about what India can learn from Europe—it’s more the other way around,” he remarked.
He pointed to challenges faced by both regions: multi-generational workforces, return-to-office dynamics, and mentorship across age groups. “The younger generation may prefer working from home, while older generations remain in offices. Having all these generations together creates opportunities for mentorship—both ways. One contributor put it well: people don’t go to the office anymore; they go to work, wherever that might be.”
India’s Fast-Changing Market
India’s premium workplace design market is evolving rapidly, and Humphreys believes technology integration is moving fastest. “AI adoption is reshaping workplaces. The internet took 16 years to reach a trillion users; AI has taken three. That shows how quickly it’s being implemented,” he noted.
He also highlighted the growing importance of amenities and experiences in office spaces. “Gen Z is looking for creativity and variety. Offices are introducing experiences like photography workshops, sewing classes, or even vocal studios. It’s about creating environments that inspire people beyond day-to-day work.”
Rethinking the Office Ecosystem
Humphreys stressed that MillerKnoll views the office not just as furniture but as a product ecosystem. Drawing on the company’s research heritage, he explained: “Not every space should look the same. Different floors need to support different tasks. Our latest research emphasizes relationship-based work—strong and weak bonds between individuals and teams are critical to productivity.”
This philosophy builds on MillerKnoll’s legacy of research-driven design, from Florence Knoll’s pioneering office layouts to Bob Propst’s Action Office system. Today, the focus is on creating adaptable ecosystems that support collaboration, focus, and creativity.
India as a Strategic Growth Market
Looking ahead to FY2026, Humphreys identified India as a key strategic market. CBS recorded 128% growth in India last year, and while he expects growth to moderate to around 50%, the trajectory remains strong.
“India is a significant strategic market for us,” he said. “We have a factory in Bidadi, Bengaluru, and we’re committed to growing our localized product and offer. Infrastructure remains a challenge—commuting times can impact productivity but the market potential is immense.”
Humphreys also emphasized the importance of strategic design partnerships in India. “We have a great education to share with the design community and their customers on how people can get a better technology experience and a health-beneficial technology experience to improve productivity. There’s a lot of opportunity for us. Very exciting.”
Andy Humphreys’ perspective reflects the convergence of global innovation and local relevance. As MillerKnoll and CBS expand their footprint in India, the focus remains on ergonomic excellence, technology integration, and workplace experiences that resonate with diverse generations. With India’s office furniture market projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2030, Humphreys’ insights underscore how design, innovation, and strategic partnerships will shape the future of workspaces worldwide.
