Rita L. Smith

Rita L. Smith possesses extensive experience in human resources, currently serving as Director of Business HR for Global Manufacturing Functions at AbbVie since December 2013. In this role, Rita collaborates closely with the CHRO and the HR organization to drive business transformation and enhance organizational culture. Prior to AbbVie, Rita held senior HR positions at Rolls-Royce, where responsibilities included developing people strategies for a £5B defense sector and managing HR activities for a large workforce. Earlier experience at Ford Motor Company involved strategic HR leadership across various divisions, labor relations, and project management initiatives. Rita holds a Juris Doctorate in Labor and Industrial Relations and advanced degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from The Ohio State University and Wittenberg University.