Foundation Partners Group Welcomes John D. Smith as New CEO in 2025

Foundation Partners Group Welcomes John D. Smith as CEO

On January 13, 2025, Foundation Partners Group (FPG), the second-largest provider of funeral services in the United States, made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. The company revealed that John D. Smith has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO). This change comes at a critical juncture for FPG, which is poised for notable growth and transformation in the coming years.

John D. Smith arrives at FPG with an impressive history of leadership and achievement. He has a proven record of driving organizational success and transforming business models to better serve customer needs. According to Henry Hagan, chairman of the Foundation Partners Board, Smith's experience in fostering transformative growth and operational excellence makes him the perfect choice to guide FPG into its next chapter. Hagan highlighted Smith's capability to implement strategic initiatives that optimize operations and create high-performing teams, yielding measurable results.

Before his new role, Smith served as chairman and CEO of Icon Parking in New York City, where he was honored with the National Parking Association's Innovator of the Year Award in 2023. His career has encompassed leadership positions in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Smith’s remarkable adaptability is evident in his past role as COO at Aaron's Inc., a well-known omnichannel provider in the lease-purchase market.

Chris Blackwell, the interim CEO of Foundation Partners and who led the search to find Smith, expressed confidence in his unique ability to inspire both funeral directors and the broader team. Blackwell noted that the goal is to deliver on FPG's mission of providing ease and comfort to families during challenging times. Former Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home owner and current FPG partnership consultant, Rick Tuss, echoed these sentiments, anticipating a new era of innovation balanced with the nurturing traditions of funeral services due to Smith’s appointment.

Educationally, Smith holds a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Temple University and an MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. He expressed his excitement to join Foundation Partners, stating, "I am honored to work alongside a talented team dedicated to transforming the end-of-life experience. By leveraging our company’s strong foundation, we aim to innovate, embrace change, and create meaningful experiences for families."

Foundation Partners Group, headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, operates a comprehensive network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers, and cemeteries across 21 states. The company prides itself on its innovative approach to funeral services, emphasizing the importance of technology and a customer-centered experience. This approach allows FPG to offer compassionate and progressive care to the families they serve.

As John D. Smith steps into the role of CEO, many are optimistic about the future of Foundation Partners Group. His leadership style, focused on transformation and customer satisfaction, may very well redefine what families can expect from funeral services moving forward. With a commitment to blending modern solutions with deep-rooted traditions, Smith is set to navigate the company through an exciting new chapter, ensuring that families receive the best support during difficult times.

For more information about Foundation Partners Group and its services, please visit www.foundationpartners.com.