#USA #Indianapolis #Trends International #Art.com #Kenneth Smith

Trends International Names Kenneth Smith as CEO

Indianapolis, Oct. 19, 2026 – Trends International, a renowned publisher and manufacturer of licensed merchandise, has exciting news: Kenneth Smith will step in as the new President and Chief Executive Officer starting May 2026.

Smith comes to Trends at a pivotal time, as the company seeks to enhance its offerings in areas like retail, digital commerce, and strategic growth. His primary responsibility will be to guide the overall direction and growth strategies across all segments, including retail, wholesale, e-commerce, licensing, and direct-to-consumer initiatives.

In his new capacity, Smith will oversee not only Trends International but also its digital ventures, including popular platforms like Art.com and AllPosters.com. His appointment is particularly timely as the company prepares to escalate its expansion efforts aimed at enhancing its retail footprint, bolstering e-commerce capabilities, strengthening partnerships with strategic customers, as well as innovating new products and licenses for consumers.

Kenneth Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I am honored to lead Trends International and build on the strong foundation established by the company, its founders, and talented employees. We have a remarkable portfolio of brands, licenses, products, and customer relationships, showcasing significant growth potential. Our focus will be on enhancing retail partnerships, accelerating our digital business ventures, and developing cutting-edge products that deliver value to our customers and partners."

Expanding Retail and Digital Presence

Under Smith’s leadership, Trends International will prioritize substantial investments in its core retail operations while simultaneously growing its digital commerce capabilities. The initiative focuses on nurturing relationships with major retail partners, broadening distribution channels, refining merchandising strategies, and unveiling new product platforms to maximize sales opportunities.

The company intends to amplify its digital sector further by consolidating its e-commerce capabilities through the establishment of Trends Digital, a platform designed to facilitate future growth and integrate potential e-commerce acquisitions. The expansive digital portfolio consists of Art.com and AllPosters.com, providing consumers access to millions of images, posters, prints, and home décor options.

Smith underscored the significant opportunity for Trends International to leverage its historical strengths while simultaneously aligning the company for a successful future ahead. "We are fiercely committed to growth; however, the manner in which we achieve this growth is equally crucial. Strong customer partnerships, disciplined execution, innovation, and a culture that empowers our team members are central to our aspirations," he stated.

Strategic Priorities

Smith's agenda covers vital areas that will be essential in pursuing the company’s objectives:

• - Retail Growth: Enhance relationships and sales channels with national retailers and specialized markets.
• - Product Innovation: Create new product formats and seasonal promotions to foster retail growth.
• - Digital Commerce: Kickstart the growth of Trends Digital, Art.com, and AllPosters.com.
• - Strategic Partnerships: Establish new licensing deals and brand collaborations that will broaden the company’s market footprint.
• - Operational Excellence: Streamline processes, technology, and execution across the organization.
• - Talent and Culture: Cultivate a high-performing workforce dedicated to accountability, innovation, customer service, and sustainable growth.

Phil St. Jean, the company's Founder and Co-Executive Chairman, remarked, "Kenneth brings a robust blend of leadership experience, customer-centric focus, and business development expertise to the table. His vision and commitment to our partners, employees, and customers position him perfectly for this next chapter in Trends International's journey. We are enthusiastic about the potential that lies ahead for the company."

About Kenneth Smith

Kenneth Smith boasts extensive experience in sales leadership, organizational development, and nurturing customer relationships. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to forging long-term partnerships and building high-performance teams throughout his career. As the President and CEO of Trends International, Smith will now hold responsibility for the organization’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and overall performance.

Trends International, established in 1987, has built a reputation as a leading publisher and manufacturer in licensed merchandise including posters, calendars, and social stationery. The company prides itself on fostering strong partnerships between licensors, retailers, and licensees. With its recent acquisition of Art.com, Trends International is now more equipped than ever to deliver a diverse portfolio of products across retail and digital channels, establishing itself as a dominant player in the market.