Former Hallmark and Crayola CEO Joins CEO Coaching International to Empower Next-Gen Entrepreneurs
CEO Coaching International has made a significant addition to its coaching team with the appointment of Smith Holland as a new Partner and Coach. With over three decades of rich experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, Smith brings invaluable knowledge in operating across various sectors including creative development, manufacturing, distribution, and sales and marketing.
During his tenure as President and CEO at Hallmark Global, a company generating $2 billion in revenue with over 20,000 employees, Smith masterminded a sweeping profitability turnaround. His strategic initiatives not only improved the gross margins but also included a comprehensive restructuring of selling, general, and administrative costs. Smith's forward-thinking approach incorporated digital transformation methods which rejuvenated the brands that had been a staple in consumers' lives for over a century. His exemplary leadership was particularly crucial when steering the company through the challenges posed by COVID-19, simultaneously launching new business models and diversifying revenue streams.
At Crayola, another globally recognized name with nearly $800 million in revenue, Smith spearheaded innovative product initiatives that led to record-breaking financial performance. His relentless strategies expanded market presence while boosting the brand's equity to unprecedented heights among both families and children. Smith's earlier role as President and CEO of Hallmark Canada further highlighted his ability when he successfully procured a key competitor through a strategic bankruptcy acquisition, recapturing the full investment within a year.
Stanford Swinton, CEO of CEO Coaching International, elaborated on Smith's remarkable accomplishments, stating, "Smith has led some of the world's most recognizable brands through significant transformations, delivering extraordinary financial and strategic results. His extensive CEO background within multiple global businesses, combined with his financial acumen, strategy, and innovation expertise, position him as an exceptional addition to our top-tier coaching ensemble."
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smith remarked, "I’m thrilled to leverage my experiences as a three-time CEO at CEO Coaching International. My goal is to work closely with CEOs and senior executives, helping them overcome challenges, accelerate growth, and create sustainable value in their enterprises and personal lives."
Smith’s educational background includes an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an undergraduate business degree from the University of Kansas, where he was also a football scholarship athlete. Beyond his professional endeavors, Smith actively gives back to the community as the Finance Committee Chair on the Board of Operation Breakthrough, a prominent non-profit organization in Kansas City, MO. In his personal life, he resides in Kansas City with his wife of 32 years, Tina. They have three adult children, and Smith remains passionate about athletics, having completed multiple marathons and triathlons.
For those interested in exploring how coaching can enhance leadership development, Smith Holland is open to scheduling complimentary introduction calls through CEO Coaching International's website. The firm is famed for its capacity to aid CEOs and their leadership teams in achieving remarkable results consistently, building long-term success and market-leading strategies. CEO Coaching International has coached a diverse array of over 1,500 CEOs and entrepreneurs across more than 100 industries and 60 countries, fostering substantial growth in their businesses. On average, companies that have collaborated with CEO Coaching International over a span of two years have reported exceptional revenue growth, with a compound annual growth rate that significantly surpasses the U.S. average, showcasing the transformative power of effective coaching for leadership.
During his tenure as President and CEO at Hallmark Global, a company generating $2 billion in revenue with over 20,000 employees, Smith masterminded a sweeping profitability turnaround. His strategic initiatives not only improved the gross margins but also included a comprehensive restructuring of selling, general, and administrative costs. Smith's forward-thinking approach incorporated digital transformation methods which rejuvenated the brands that had been a staple in consumers' lives for over a century. His exemplary leadership was particularly crucial when steering the company through the challenges posed by COVID-19, simultaneously launching new business models and diversifying revenue streams.
At Crayola, another globally recognized name with nearly $800 million in revenue, Smith spearheaded innovative product initiatives that led to record-breaking financial performance. His relentless strategies expanded market presence while boosting the brand's equity to unprecedented heights among both families and children. Smith's earlier role as President and CEO of Hallmark Canada further highlighted his ability when he successfully procured a key competitor through a strategic bankruptcy acquisition, recapturing the full investment within a year.
Stanford Swinton, CEO of CEO Coaching International, elaborated on Smith's remarkable accomplishments, stating, "Smith has led some of the world's most recognizable brands through significant transformations, delivering extraordinary financial and strategic results. His extensive CEO background within multiple global businesses, combined with his financial acumen, strategy, and innovation expertise, position him as an exceptional addition to our top-tier coaching ensemble."
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smith remarked, "I’m thrilled to leverage my experiences as a three-time CEO at CEO Coaching International. My goal is to work closely with CEOs and senior executives, helping them overcome challenges, accelerate growth, and create sustainable value in their enterprises and personal lives."
Smith’s educational background includes an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an undergraduate business degree from the University of Kansas, where he was also a football scholarship athlete. Beyond his professional endeavors, Smith actively gives back to the community as the Finance Committee Chair on the Board of Operation Breakthrough, a prominent non-profit organization in Kansas City, MO. In his personal life, he resides in Kansas City with his wife of 32 years, Tina. They have three adult children, and Smith remains passionate about athletics, having completed multiple marathons and triathlons.
For those interested in exploring how coaching can enhance leadership development, Smith Holland is open to scheduling complimentary introduction calls through CEO Coaching International's website. The firm is famed for its capacity to aid CEOs and their leadership teams in achieving remarkable results consistently, building long-term success and market-leading strategies. CEO Coaching International has coached a diverse array of over 1,500 CEOs and entrepreneurs across more than 100 industries and 60 countries, fostering substantial growth in their businesses. On average, companies that have collaborated with CEO Coaching International over a span of two years have reported exceptional revenue growth, with a compound annual growth rate that significantly surpasses the U.S. average, showcasing the transformative power of effective coaching for leadership.
Topics People & Culture）
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