Malissa Akay
President, Merchandising and Marketing

Malissa leads the Merchandising team in elevating the product assortment in DFS’ global network and in building brand relationships and partnerships across four key pillars: Beauty; Fashion; Watches and Jewelry; and Spirits, Wines, Tobacco, Food and Gifts. She also leads the Marketing team in maximizing value creation for customers through DFS CIRCLE, forming strategic partnerships, and customer-facing digital initiatives and programs.

Malissa started her career with DFS in 1999 as a Management Trainee. She spent 13 years with DFS in increasingly senior Merchandising positions in the Watches & Jewelry, Food & Candy, and Fashion categories. Over that time, Malissa lived and worked in San Francisco, Miami, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Malissa left DFS in 2012 and has worked at Ralph Lauren and other fashion brands before rejoining DFS in January 2025 to serve as the President of Merchandising and Marketing.