Staffing

Pinky Cole hires President for Slutty Vegan

Entrepreneur, investor and marketer Lauren Maillian is Slutty Vegan's president. Photo: Pinky Cole LinkedIn

June 6, 2025

Pinky Cole, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Slutty Vegan, has named entrepreneur, investor and marketer Lauren Maillian as brand president.

"Lauren is a force," Cole said in a company press release. "She brings a sharp business mind, a fearless heart, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build brands that shift culture"

Cole, who will continue to lead the brand as CEO, and Malillian met at Kim Blackwell's ExcelerateHER, an annual summit bringing together leaders in business, entertainment, advocacy, ministry and the arts, focusing on advancement in business, wealth and wellnes.

"It was clear from that moment that she was someone special," said Cole, who recently regained full onwnership of VOAGIES, a plant-based sub shop. "As a founder, I know how important it is to have the right partner in your corner; someone who can execute with excellence and lead with vision. Lauren is that partner. Together, we're not just continuing what we started, we're leveling it up."

Maillian is joining forces with Cole to steer the future of Slutty Vegan and Voagies as a dynamic, Black female-led team redefining what it means to build a purpose-driven food empire.

"Pinky and I share so many synergies as entrepreneurs, women in business, and women who both began our journeys in Harlem with bold visions of building purpose-driven brands," Maillian said in the release. "I'm excited to join as President of Slutty Vegan, and to help amplify the brand's momentum by making more conscious food choices part of a lifestyle movement. Together, we have an opportunity to show the food and hospitality industry what excellence can build when driven by passion, partnership, and an unwavering refusal to be limited by assumptions or barriers. We're here to create something truly groundbreaking."

With over two decades of experience scaling startups and global brands, Maillian has led transformational work across industries, from serving as CEO of digitalundivided to spearheading multimillion-dollar partnerships at Hero Media. She is also the founder of LMB Group, a global strategic advisory firm focused on brand building and revenue growth.