LONDON - eTradeWire -- KLEKT, one of Europe's leading marketplaces for authenticated sneakers, streetwear and collectibles, today announced the appointment of Maria Thomas to its Board of Advisors. Her appointment comes as KLEKT accelerates its international growth and continues to expand beyond sneakers into the broader authenticated collectibles marketplace.

Thomas brings more than two decades of experience building and governing category-defining marketplace businesses across e-commerce, platform technology and consumer media. Throughout her career, she has identified emerging market opportunities, built enduring brands, and helped companies achieve significant growth and successful exits.

As CEO of Etsy in its early years, Thomas led the company through a period of transformational growth, increasing gross merchandise volume tenfold while achieving profitability and preserving the platform's unique, community-driven ethos. She understands how to scale a community-driven marketplace without losing the authenticity that made it successful.

That understanding extends across her broader portfolio, both as an operator and as a board member and investor. Thomas also served for six years on the board of Spoonflower, the marketplace connecting independent designers with consumers seeking custom-printed fabric and wallpaper. Spoonflower was acquired by Shutterfly in 2021.

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Thomas is also an angel investor in SidelineSwap, a peer-to-peer marketplace for new and used sporting goods, and Twice, an early pioneer in technology-enabled resale that was later acquired by eBay. These investments reflect her longstanding ability to recognize durable shifts in consumer behavior and the evolution of digital marketplaces.

Thomas currently serves on the board of Rooted Farmers, a marketplace platform connecting small farmers and collectives directly with buyers.

Mark Dowds, CEO of KLEKT, said:

"We're delighted to welcome Maria to the KLEKT Board. She has built and scaled some of the world's most influential marketplace businesses, and her experience is directly relevant to what we're building at KLEKT. What strikes me most is her deep understanding of passionate communities and how to build businesses that serve them at scale without losing what makes them special. That is exactly the challenge and opportunity in front of us, and I can think of few people better placed to help us navigate it."

Maria Thomas said:

"KLEKT has established itself as one of Europe's most trusted marketplaces by combining technology, authenticity, and a deep understanding of sneaker culture. I'm excited to join the Advisory Board at such an important stage in the company's growth.

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The resale market continues to evolve rapidly, creating significant opportunities for innovation and international expansion. I look forward to working with Mark, the Board, and the leadership team as KLEKT builds on its momentum and helps shape the future of trusted recommerce."

Thomas' appointment reflects KLEKT's continued investment in the leadership, technology, and governance needed to support long-term growth. With the global resale market continuing to mature, the company remains focused on delivering industry-leading authentication, trust, and service for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

About KLEKT

KLEKT is one of Europe's leading marketplaces for authenticated sneakers, streetwear and collectibles. Every item sold through the platform undergoes a rigorous authentication process before reaching the customer, giving buyers confidence that every purchase is genuine. By combining industry-leading authentication with a seamless marketplace experience, KLEKT has become a trusted destination for sneaker enthusiasts, collectors and fashion consumers across Europe and beyond. www.klekt.com