Heather K. Smith Ma, Apr Email & Phone Number

Espoo, Fi

Serving the world's most efficient AP and finance teams through interaction and influence of the global analyst community for financial technology. This includes:• Revitalized AR program in correlation with company repositioning with strategy focused around mutually beneficial relationships• Influenced launch of first ever APIA vendor assessments including the Forrester WAVE, IDC Marketscape, & Gartner Magic Quadrant• Increased company valuation with leadership positions in IDC Marksetscape for accounts payable (2), IDC compliance Marketscape, Forrester APIA Wave, and QKS SPARK matrix. Gartner Magic Quadrant results estimated for February 2025.• First ventures with sales enablement to capitalize on analyst offerings to increase demand generation and encourage cross/upselling• Beginning alignment with internal communications and HR to build internal pride through achievements with the analyst community• Capitalizing on analyst expertise and activities to enhance global brand reputation, while developing a new category for AP• Foster internal talent as mentor• Participate in DEI initiatives and cultural development as member of the Women’s Leadership committee

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, Us

Formed team, created strategies, and executed initiatives for recently consolidated publicly traded company. Transitioned company from a hardware to a SaaS-centric, IoT brand for AI and machine learning for fleets.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, Us

Konstanz, De

Promoted to communications leader upon consolidation of 12 supply chain technology brands (2,000 + employees). Built high-performing global team in under a year through recruitment and coaching. Success heavily contributed to purchase of a minority stake by global investment firm, continuing rapid growth trajectory through M&A.NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: • Unprecedented jump to top 3 of leader’s quadrant in Gartner MQ for WMS• Highest rank in Gartner’s Voice of the Customer for WMS• Top third of all criteria in Gartner Critical Capabilities for WMS• 200% increase in thought leadership media coverage• ~60% share of voice compared to competitors / YoY increase• ~400% increase in social media following, consistently growing engagement• ~100 global report placements from IDC, Forrester, Frost & Sullivan, Interact Analysis, Gartner, TEC, Fraunhofer, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, STIQ, ARC and more• Company top 100 leadershipOVERVIEW:• Designed global strategies, integrating AR, PR, internal communications, content and social media• Collaborated in a cross-functional matrix organization - product marketing, product management, customer advocacy, HR, finance, marketing ops, sales, digital• Developed compelling company narrative through advanced storytelling• Initiated executive communications program• Launched employee communications - employee magazine, townhalls, etc.• Lead communications for M&A, change management with boards, acquirees, and other stakeholders• Created media and analyst tracks for user conferences, industry events• Launched joint marketing with IDC, ARC, VDC Research, Fraunhofer, Quadrant Knowledge Systems• Supported sales enablement and technology roadmap through strategic advisory days• Aligned CommTech with marketing tech stack for data-driven strategies• Part of launch team for content strategy• Managed top of funnel/hero content• Managed global and regional agencies and vendors (PR, content, branding)• Managed budget of $1m+

Developed multi-channel, integrated communications strategy to amplify brand amongst evolving audiences of software company growing from 500 to 1,500 employees in just 3 years. Promoted to global director of consolidated company under Kӧrber (see above)NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: • First appearance in leader’s quadrant of Gartner MQ for WMS• First inclusion in top 3 of Quadrant Knowledge Solutions SPARK Matrix for WMS• >200% increase in media coverage in first 6 monthsOVERVIEW:• Drove two highly impactful global rebranding efforts -Lead flow of communication amongst internal and external stakeholders to enhance brand -Guided executives in development of overarching messaging and visual identity -Developed and implemented brand guidelines, tone of voice• Drafted and coached leadership through executive presentations and speeches, townhalls, media/analyst briefing points, etc.• Initiated AR strategy, revolutionizing relationships with Gartner, ARC, IDC and expanding globally to specialized firms• Handled M&A communication for a dozen milestones in Asia, Europe, and Latin America• Built ongoing relationships with top industry media, securing consitent monthly coverage worldwide• Performed media trainings for spokespersons• Utilized exceptional writing, verbal, and presentation skills in content development for traditional and new media – blogs, news releases, reports, whitepapers, etc.

Trusted by executives and marketing teams of leading B2B technology companies worldwide to implement strategic campaigns promoting their unique brand identity. Progressed rapidly from entry-level role to senior account leader.NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Thousands of global media placements (ex. Wall Street Journal, NY Times, TechCrunch, various trade magazines spanning wireless, telecom, cable, IT, broadcast, security, cloud, CRM, audio, cinema); ~100 award shortlists/wins; ~dozens of speaking spots securedOVERVIEW:• Developed and executed PR strategy for product launches, customer success, M&A activity, financial milestones/IPOs, global expansions and rebranding• Collaborated with clients to set qualitative and quantitative communication goals aligned with business objectives• Lead quarterly / yearly summits and working sessions analyzing results, competitive audits, and industry shifts to evolve strategy and messaging• Designed monthly, quarterly and yearly PR plans for a consistent and compelling narrative amongst stakeholders• Influenced stakeholder relationships worldwide with creative, differentiated storylines promoted through various mediums• Managed all aspects of media and analyst relations - acting as day-to-day contact, proactive and reactive pitching, editorial calendar and analyst report monitoring, spokesperson training, news distribution, etc.• Executed media and analyst outreach at 30+ tradeshows (US, Europe and Asia) along with 30+ media tours/roadshows (US and UK)• Drafted successful award and speaking submissions to build company credibility and position executives as thought leaders• Wrote and edited all PR material - press releases, features, blogs, whitepapers, case studies, bylines, social media posts, etc.• Implemented CommTech for advanced PR measurement tailored to each client (share of voice metrics, sentiment and beyond) to intelligently evolve programs• Fostered junior team members, including launching an intern program

Promoted philanthropy in Arizona through involvement in the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) - a national service program designed to fight poverty. Skilled volunteers dedicate a year expanding resources available to nonprofit organizations.• Developed social media initiatives• Maintained website copy• Performed market research• Administrated and rolled out members-only social networking site • Shot and edited promotional videos• Managed event coordination at annual luncheon and monthly meetups• Handled internal and external communication with members and staff on new services

Deadwood, South Dakota, Us

Promoted the online image of the Black Hills of South Dakota to encourage travel/tourism.• Wrote for the Black Hills Travel Blog• Acted as administrator for Black Hills News Bureau• Drafted monthly press releases• Managed Twitter/Facebook accounts• Assisted with press conferences

Spearfish, Sd, Us

Assisted in researching the influence of blogging on presidential elections. The International Journal of Technology, Knowledge & Society published the final piece: "Blogging for Politics: A Cacophony of Voices During the 2008 Presidential Election"

Master Of Arts (Ma), Public Relations

Bachelor Of Arts, Mass Communications, Spanish, International Studies

Spanish Language And Mexican Culture