CS

Charlotte Smith

CEO, North America at The Talent Business

My creative debut was early as the 6-week old screaming model for a Delrosa syrup print campaign. Dad was an art director helping out a mate and it paid for my stroller. An agency career was the natural choice for me. As a business director at both TBWA and JWT, I championed the creative agenda and helped deliver award winning work for some iconic brands. My most memorable moments include a trip to Wonderbra in Rome with Trevor Beattie when Trevor diverted the taxi so we could glimpse a beautiful baroque church. It was a lesson to always make the space for creative inspiration. Trevor taught me to always be open, to have the courage to share your ideas and to stand by them. Watching him I learnt that you have to be prepared to fight for great work knowing that sometimes you will get a bloody nose in the process. I’ve worked on both sides of the Atlantic and partnered with a number of global brands. Chivas Regal proved to be a masterclass in the search for a unifying truth (there is common ground between a Korean businessman and a Venice beach surfer). My time working with Rimmel demonstrated that no brand is beyond repair (thank you Ms Moss and David Sims). My fascination with the eclectic mix of talent that defines creative businesses is what drove my career segue into executive search. My focus is delivering transformational creative leaders and senior talent to a broad range of creative businesses across North America. Manhattan is home and if you're buying, mine's a 1942 tequila no ice.

Timeline

  • CEO, North America

    Current role

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