Canadian label Smythe appoints Ana Mihaljevic as CEO

Canadian womenswear brand Smythe has appointed Ana Mihaljevic as chief executive officer, the Toronto-based company announced on October 14, 2026.

Mihaljevic will oversee operations and growth strategy, while co-founders and designers Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe continue to lead creative direction and product. The appointment creates an all-female leadership team at the independent label, which is preparing for further expansion across North America.

"Her leadership enables us to deepen our focus on creative vision and product, while the three of us work together to build operational excellence and infrastructure for growth," said Lenczner and Smythe in a joint statement.

From blazers to a full wardrobe

Smythe was founded in 2004 with a focus on women's blazers and has since broadened into a full ready-to-wear offer. The brand built its business on wholesale before launching e-commerce in 2017.

It opened its first standalone store in Toronto in 2022, followed by a second in Calgary in 2024. According to the company, annual new-customer acquisition through its online channel grew more than fivefold between 2021 and 2025.

A further Toronto store is scheduled to open in early 2027, and the brand is also preparing a refresh of its digital offer.

Background in premium consumer brands

The company says Mihaljevic has experience leading and scaling premium consumer brands, with a focus on building teams and operational capabilities. She is also a longtime customer of the label.

"Working alongside Christie and Andrea, we will build on that foundation, grow Smythe with purpose and reach more women," Mihaljevic said.