In 1973 John Smith founded what is today Smith Search retained executive recruiting firm headquartered in Mexico City. Since that time Smith Search has established itself as a major factor in Mexico’s executive recruiting business, the most important of the country’s independent operations. It is a generalist firm serving leadership national and multinational client corporations alike. It places well-educated bilingual, bicultural Mexican citizen candidates for positions from the third level upwards.

Prior to entering the recruiting field, Smith spent 14 years in the advertising agency business, rising to the director level in Latin America’s largest outfit. This was followed by a short stint as a marketing consultant, an activity that ultimately lead him to the recruiting activity.

He has been active is a wide number of organizations such as Republicans Abroad, American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (Member of the Executive Committee, Member of the Board of Directors), The University Club (President, 2004-2005), The Industrialists’ Club, Member of the Editorial Boards of the newspaper El Economista, Club MBA magazine and others, as well as a occasional speaker at the IPADE university.

He is an author of two books and has been a regular columnist in leading Mexican publications.

In 2003 Smith earned his Certificate as an Executive Coach from the prestigious Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, California. He is specialized in Leadership, Executive and Transition Coaching.

Smith, a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, is married to Ana Luz Ogarrio of Mexico City. They have six children and squads of grandchildren.