GLOBAL BRAND BUILDER + INNOVATOR + CONSUMER-CENTRIC MARKETERMy academic story is one of purposeful contradiction and curiosity. I have studied corporate finance, business economics, brand management, new ventures and fine arts at the University of Notre Dame, Kelley School of Business and Wharton Executive Education program. My career journey has not been conventional nor linear. And that is with purpose. It has been one defined by passion, curiosity and risk taking. It has crossed borders, disciplines, categories and business life stages. The through-line of that journey is a love of starting with humans - their needs, realities and pain points. And from there creating solutions - be it new brands, products, experiences or integrated campaigns - built from a place of empathy and understanding.Today, I am delighted to be working with passion at a company fueled by passion, Starbucks.
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Brand & Marketing LeaderStarbucks Dec 2022 - PresentSeattle, Wa, Us -
Brand & Product Innovation LeaderCentral Garden & Pet Sep 2021 - Dec 2022Walnut Creek, Ca, UsI led brand creation and consumer product innovation for the pet segment at Central (NASDAQ - CENT & CENTA): a $3BN+, CPG company committed to leading the future of the pet and garden industries. -
Innovation & Brand ConsultantObjective Catalyst Sep 2020 - Aug 2022Starting with the marriage of data, empathy and creativity, I shaped the “why" behind brands, architected innovation roadmaps and created relevant consumer experiences for clients across the EdTech, connected sports, healthcare, DTC F&B and workplace equity technology sectors.
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Senior Director - Brand Strategy & Integrated Consumer MarketingZillow Jun 2019 - Sep 2020Seattle, Washington, UsSeattle-based lead of a centralized brand strategy function charged with evolving, nurturing and activating the Zillow brand via national integrated marketing campaigns. -
Senior Director - B2B Brand Strategy & Integrated MarketingZillow Jan 2018 - Jun 2019Seattle, Washington, UsLed the creation of a new B2B brand strategy, brand identity and integrated marketing capability for a key line of business which delivered >75% of the company’s revenue.
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Senior Director - Brand Strategy & Marketing (Starbucks China Asia Pacific)Starbucks Sep 2015 - Jan 2018Seattle, Wa, UsLed regional brand strategy, integrated marketing & marketing innovation for 15 countries within the highest growth region at Starbucks.
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Senior Director - Brand Marketing & Innovation (Starbucks & Pepsico Cpg Joint Venture)Starbucks Mar 2013 - Aug 2015Seattle, Wa, UsLed brand marketing, advertising and long-term innovation for a $2BN portfolio of six ready-to-drink Starbucks brands managed in partnership with PepsiCo.
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Global Innovation Director - Coffee & Equipment InnovationStarbucks Jul 2012 - Mar 2013Seattle, Wa, UsLed innovation - inclusive of insights generation, product design, equipment experience and brand positioning - across coffee & espresso for 21,000 cafes in 3 Global regions.
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Innovation Director – Us Café BeveragesStarbucks May 2009 - Jul 2012Seattle, Wa, UsLed 16 country launch of Starbuck Refreshers & managed launch-year P&L of the US business for this new brand. Led initial strategy & conceptualization of Starbucks Fizzio (in-Café handcrafted carbonation) with a focus on equipment ideation/ user design, product strategy, branding & business case.
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Senior Manager – Corporate StrategyStarbucks Nov 2008 - Apr 2009Seattle, Wa, UsContributed to a C-Suite sponsored internal consulting engagement focused on evaluating external partnerships as a path to enhance masterbrand health & wellness credentials.
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Manager – Brand Innovation (Starbucks & Pepsico Joint Venture)Starbucks Mar 2005 - Oct 2008Seattle, Wa, UsDeveloped and launched 3 new profitable, ready-to-drink platforms focused on new occasions, day parts and consumer cohorts.
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Innovation Intern - Dove HaircareUnilever Jun 2004 - Aug 2004Blackfriars, London, GbEmpathic, human-centered innovation focused on identifying new solutions for those experiencing thinning hair. -
Manager - Strategy & Special ProjectsUsa Track & Field Aug 2002 - Aug 2003Indianapolis, In, UsPartnered with the CEO to define the organization’s first ever three-year strategic plan. Catalyst for the creation and programming of the USA Track & Field Foundation. -
Manager - Finance & Venue ManagementSalt Lake Olympic Committee Apr 2000 - Jun 2002Owned financial analysis and forecasting for five functional areas with budgets of $50M. Managed operational and financial success of the Main Media Center, the largest Olympic venue and home of the international event broadcasting.
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Experience AnalystAccenture Sep 1998 - Mar 2000Dublin 2, IeCoded a customized PeopleSoft report system used for financial analysis, forecasting and planning. Involved in the customization and implementation of General Ledger and Accounts Payable PeopleSoft modules.
Brian Smith Education Details
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Indiana University - Kelley School Of BusinessBrand Management & New Ventures -
University Of Notre DameBusiness Economics & Fine Arts
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The Wharton SchoolExecutive Eduction Program - Continuing Education
Frequently Asked Questions about Brian Smith
What company does Brian Smith work for?
Brian Smith works for Starbucks
What is Brian Smith's role at the current company?
Brian Smith's current role is Brand, Marketing and Innovation Leader.
What schools did Brian Smith attend?
Brian Smith attended Indiana University - Kelley School Of Business, University Of Notre Dame, The Wharton School.
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