As Elaine Smith continues to build on its industryleading luxury pillow business, the company announced that brand builder, Alexis Maklakoff, has joined the senior leadership team as executive vice president. Maklakoff will be responsible for evolving and growing Elaine Smith from a luxury pillow brand to a luxury lifestyle brand in the U.S. and globally.

“When I first walked through the doors at Elaine Smith, it was immediately evident that this is truly something special. 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,” Maklakoff says.

“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,” Maklakoff adds.

Elaine Smith, founder and CEO, says “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.”

Maklakoff brings 30 years of experience managing and overseeing virtually every aspect of sales, marketing, and product development globally. He 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 and three large manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.