Elaine Smith announced that brand builder Alexis Maklakoff has joined the senior leadership team as executive vice president and will be responsible for evolving and growing the Elaine Smith brand from a luxury pillow brand to a luxury lifestyle brand around the globe.
Maklakoff has 30 years of experience managing and overseeing virtually every aspect of sales, marketing, and product development in the U.S. and worldwide. Prior to joining Elaine Smith, he most recently served as vice president of international sales & global major retail for Glen Raven/Sunbrella, where he led all sales and marketing functions of the large brick and mortar and online major retail business, working closely with global sales teams of over 50 associates and three large manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
“When I first walked through the doors at Elaine Smith, it was immediately evident that this is truly something special,” Maklakoff says. “The culture is incredibly unique and I felt a sense of vibrancy, collaboration, skill, and professionalism among the team. At this stage of my career, I was not only looking for a great professional fit but a personal one as well. This opportunity with Elaine Smith clearly accomplishes both for me. Immediately, I felt it was the right fit, like I was home.
“Elaine and I share a vision for the evolution of this brand and we are very excited to be working together to expand the current line and introduce additional handcrafted products that are innovative and beautifully made,” he continues. “Our ultimate goal is to continue servicing our current customer base incredibly well, while reaching for more customers globally.”
Elaine Smith, founder and CEO, adds, “I am thrilled to welcome Alexis as a senior leader at this exciting time of growth of our company. I have the highest respect for his knowledge, capabilities, relationships, passion, and successful career. Alexis and I were both raised in Europe and spent our early careers working in the luxury industry there, so it feels like a natural fit and perfect timing to join forces. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Alexis and I’m looking forward to all that we will accomplish together.”
