John Smith

Vice President, Architectural Coatings EMEA @ PPG

About

I am a highly experienced and commercially minded international business leader with a track record of driving long-term growth and profitability in the Consumer Goods, Information Technology, and Healthcare sectors across multiple global geographies, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As an inquisitive, evidence-based problem solver and 'intrapreneur' with extensive experience in both international commercial leadership and global business unit leadership, I have consistently developed and implemented business strategies to improve the performance of the businesses I've led. I accomplish this by combining hands-on experience in people leadership, product development, and operational management with the ability to understand the broad picture and design clear long-term growth strategies. Managing motivated, diverse teams and relationships across geographies and cultures is a major strength, having worked in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia, and having extensive experience in the North American and Latin American markets. I have run both smaller and larger global businesses, managed client relationships in international markets, and navigated the difficulties of managing across borders and time zones. I understand the needs of global organizations and the importance of recruiting and developing great people to build an effective organization. I am a firm believer in the potential that technology brings for improving operations and creating better, more sustainable outcomes for both customers and our planet. To network or discuss potential opportunities, please contact me at johnsidneysmith@gmail.com

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Industry

Consumer Goods

Skill

strategic brand building, Sales and Marketing, General Management, Sales Growth, Market Entry, Financial Literacy, Brand Development, Decision-Making, Solution-oriented, Organizational Structure, Sales & Marketing, Presentation Skills, Contract Negotiation, International Business, Team Leadership, English, Organizational Leadership, Consumer Products, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Forecasting

Experience

Vice President, Architectural Coatings EMEA

PPG

2026-7 - Present · 3 mos

Executive Vice President & General Manager, Hue Connected

Signify

2024-12 - 2026-7 · 1 yr 8 mos

Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands

SVP & Head of International Markets, Personal Health

Philips

2019-4 - 2024-12 · 5 yrs 9 mos

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

• Commercial leadership for worldwide consumer business outside of North America & China • Manages and empowers the International Customer Management team • Delivers key account leadership of Sleep and Respiratory care customers • Manages the function and team for Global Commercial Policy and Pricing • Directs business development for new categories and new markets • Set up an Emerging Markets cluster with GTM strategy & bespoke portfolio

SVP & Global Business Leader, Male Grooming

Philips

2014-5 - 2019-3 · 4 yrs 11 mos

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

• Leader with P&L accountability for the Philips Male Grooming business in 120 countries • Managed & motivated teams of 300 in R&D, 50 in marketing & 10 in procurement • Led new product creation from R&D through to supply for the global portfolio • Applied technology road-mapping to determine long-term product strategy • Led product development for China & US, winning the CEO’s Award for Innovation • Leveraged AI to create the world’s first Smart Shaver that adapts to individual faces • Unlocked a new consumer segment, activated by a Euro Effie Gold Award campaign

VP & Global Business Leader, Garment Care

Philips

2013-8 - 2015-4 · 1 yr 9 mos

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

• VP & leader of the global Garment Care business with full P&L responsibility • Managed teams of 100 in R&D, 20 in marketing, 5 in procurement & 5 others • Directed product innovation, R&D, marketing, production and supply chain • Defined product strategy and devised global campaigns for product launches

VP & Global Business Leader, Floor Care & Air Purification

Philips

2011-6 - 2013-8 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

• Focused on growth in Philips’ Floor Care & Air businesses • Led up to 130 staff and boosted employee engagement • Repositioned Floor Care to drive growth in core markets • Turned around the Floor Care business into profitability • Rapidly scaled Air Care, winning market leadership in China • Profitably expanded the Air Care business, tripling sales • Won Philips’ Global Entrepreneurship Award, 2012 & 2013

VP & General Manager, Middle East and Africa

Philips

2009-4 - 2011-5 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• GM for the Middle East & Africa organisations for consumer goods • Managed a 100-strong multifunctional team across the sub-cluster • Turned around the business by restructuring for sustainable growth • Increased sales & market share by 18% and doubled annual profits

VP & Chief Financial Officer

Philips

2008-1 - 2009-3 · 1 yr 3 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• CFO for Philips Consumer Lifestyle International Sales Organisation

Chief Financial Officer, Mobile Phones

Philips

2006-1 - 2007-12 · 2 yrs

Hong Kong

CFO & Company Director, Philips Electronics Australia Limited

Philips

2004-7 - 2005-12 · 1 yr 6 mos

Sydney, Australia

• Chief Financial Officer & Company Director for Philips Electronics Australia Limited • Financial Controller for the Philips Australia/New Zealand Consumer Electronics business