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From Home Furnishing Business

Kathy Davis Studios Names Van Aken VP of Marketing

December 3, 2014  by in Designer Weekly, Executive Changes, Industry   

Van Aken, who joined the company early in 2014 as executive director of brand development, provides leadership and guidance in all of the company's marketing, design and licensing efforts, including brand vision and aesthetic, brand strategy, business development, partnerships, and coordination of communication across all three brands and markets.

Through key strategies in organizational and creative development, she leads efforts to develop brand integrity and create a transformative experience for the KDS team, partners and loyal clients.

“Sarah will be critical to executing our brand mission to inspire others to Create a Life they Love,” said Kathy Davis, chief visionary officer of her namesake company. “She will also carry out our vision to become an expanded lifestyle brand in 2015, as we launch products in home, bed and bath, home decor, gifts, decorative accessories, paper partyware, women’s fashion accessories, baby, stationery and social expression.”

Van Aken spent her early career in apparel sourcing in New York City and abroad. She relocated to Philadelphia in 2001, and over time, she successfully launched three award-winning fashion brands. In doing so, Van Aken pioneered a vertical apparel business model that is now being emulated throughout the industry.

“Kathy's clean, sophisticated yet casual aesthetic totally resonated with me," Van Aken said, “and I connected with the company's core mission and was awed by the focus on giving back to the community. It's a fantastic opportunity to work with a brand that is built on authentic connection and incredible style.”