Linda Kafka has recently been promoted to managing director of SOFA – Source of Furniture & Accessories – at the International Centre in Toronto. As the managing director, she will direct and control SOFA’s operations and give strategic guidance and direction to ensure that SOFA achieves its mission and objectives.
Kafka joined the International Centre in late 2009 and has represented SOFA as the director of Marketing and Tenant Relations. According to Michael Prescott, CEO at the International Center, the change in her title is “well deserved and applauded by the senior management team.”
Under her skilled direction, Kafka has decisively overseen the metamorphosis of over 200,000 square feet into nearly 40 inspiring designer/decor showrooms for the trade only. Says she, “SOFA is the place where the design community connects, communicates and collaborates.”
Kafka’s extensive experience in marketing and working with a variety of people has allowed SOFA to evolve into this well-respected, renowned design centre. Her ongoing plans for SOFA continue to include the implementation of various product focussed seminars; workshops; events; and the creation of an industry conference to strengthen the Canadian design community in general. Many of these illuminating programs are CEU-accredited, thereby elevating the quality of information that the industry receives and supports the requirements as set out by the interior design industry.
These stimulating business affairs follow Kafka’s success during the recent Canadian Furniture Show in June 2015 with increased visitor traffic to SOFA and tenants reporting a noticeable rise in showroom sales. As well, she steps beyond SOFA and notably attends many furniture shows and expositions including those in High Point, Las Vegas, New York and Milan to discover trends and fresh design environments to flavor SOFA with. She is instrumental and focussed on driving more designers and tenants to SOFA on an ongoing basis.
Kafka is well known and regarded in the design community. Along with sharing her expertise at SOFA, sheserves on the board of directors with the Canadian Decorating Association; has a seat on the Canadian Furniture Show Advisory Committee; is a volunteer and organizer of the Furniture Bank’s annual Chair Affair/fundraising gala; and is a dedicated mother of two sons.
Her tireless support of the design industry has made her a stand-out at SOFA and in the design community at large.