Ellen Johnston

Ellen Johnston has a diverse and extensive work experience across various companies and roles. Ellen is currently serving as the Chief Product Officer and Co-founder at Sage since March 2021. Prior to that, from 2019 to 2021, Ellen worked as a Product Design Consultant for their own business.

Before their self-employment, Ellen held the position of Director of Digital Experience at Staples from 2015 to 2019. Ellen also has experience as the Co-Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of Makr, a company they started in 2013. During their time at Makr, Ellen successfully developed the concept and led the creative vision and design. Ellen raised seed series venture funds, built a product and brand, and also led a product acquisition to Staples, Inc. Makr received several awards and honors during Ellen's tenure, including being recognized as an Official Webby Nominee for Best Visual Design in 2016 and winning the Tabby Award in the Lifestyle Category in 2014.

Ellen's entrepreneurial journey started with their role as the Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Studio, Inc. from 2012 to 2015. Ellen raised seed series venture funds for Makr and eventually sold Happy Studio and the Makr brand to Staples, Inc. Ellen also held the position of Co-Founder and Creative Director at Happy Studio from 2012 to 2013.

Earlier in their career, Ellen worked as an Art Director/Producer at Callaway Digital Arts from 2010 to 2012 and as a Designer/Art Director on a freelance basis from 2010 to 2011. Ellen also served as a Senior Designer at MSLK from 2005 to 2009.

Overall, Ellen has demonstrated strong leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and expertise in product design and creative direction throughout their career.

Ellen Johnston pursued their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design from Carnegie Mellon University. Ellen devoted herself to their studies at the university from 1997 to 2002.