DDW “The Color House” announces the promotion of Elaine Gravatte to President and Chief Operating Officer as well as her election to the DDW Board of Directors. She will report to Ted Nixon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Gravatte will lead the core operations, while Nixon will continue to focus on strategy and growth initiatives for the company.

“Elaine’s strong experience in cross-functional leadership gives me confidence in our continued success in manufacturing, innovation and creating color solutions for customers,” said Nixon.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead DDW toward achieving its ‘Vision 2020’ plans for innovation, continuous improvement and value-added initiatives,” added Gravatte.   

Gravatte’s previous position was Senior Vice President, Global Operations, with responsibility for Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and Human Resources.  She also held the position of Regional President & COO, North America. In recent years, she served as Account Executive for a key, global strategic customer. Gravatte began her DDW career in 2000 as Human Resources Manager after six years in team and training management with SerVend International (The Manitowoc Company, Inc.).  

Gravatte recently completed The Wharton School’s Global CEO Program. She received a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Human Resource Development and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Communication and Psychology.