Chicago-based wallcovering company Maya Romanoff has announced that its president Joyce Romanoff will transition to the role of CEO and her son, Michael Gutwaks, will assume her former title. Romanoff will continue to work closely with the design team in the development of new products and business opportunities.
Romanoff has been with the company for nearly three decades and served as president since 2001. During her tenure, Romanoff has helped launch innovative products such as the Beadazzled Glass Bead wallcovering, Mother of Pearl flexible tiles, and Ajiro wood veneer.
Gutwaks joined Maya Romanoff in 2006 and has been instrumental in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and modernizing the brand overall. He is currently an MBA candidate at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
The 70-person studio has remained in the Romanoff family since it was launched in 1969 by Maya Romanoff, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 72. The next generation of leadership will honors the brand tradition—including Romanoff’s daughter, Jennifer Block, who will continue to oversee the company’s corporate showrooms in New York and Chicago, and her niece Laura Romanoff, who will continue as head of sales and marketing. Romanoff’s son-in-law David Berkowitz oversees product development with a team of designer and artists.
