John Smit

Background

About John Smit

I was the kid who cut out newspaper articles and photos, patched them on a big white paper with my own comments written under it and then tried to sell these copies to my uncles and aunts. Yes, the love for media got me at a young age. When I was a student, all my fellow students aspired to work in the FMCG industry. Not me, I wanted to work for a publisher. Since then I have enjoyed many management positions throughout my marketing and sales career in media: newspapers,(online) magazines, television… My personal and professional experiences have taught me the following about myself- I am positive and enthusiastic and people like me for that - I prefer to work for high-quality brands that really mean something to people in everyday life - I love to win (with the team)- I excel at the execution of big ideas even when the road to it seems difficult - I put the customer always at the center - My gut instinct is good but I seek data for my decisions - I am constantly learning - I stay calm when faced with adversity When I am not working, I am likely hanging out on flea markets to find that unique hidden gem, trying to lower my golf handicap, doing my laps in the swimming pool to stay in shape or endulging my love for seeing new places and bands. Furthermore, nothing makes me more happy then seeing my favourite football team Union Saint Gilloise play (l'amour ne s'explique pas.). I enjoy meeting new people and hearing new perspectives. Reach out if you want to talk to me about media, music, football or Brussels (or how to survive Belgium when you are Dutch). Professional Skills: Business/Brand development | Media | Commercial/Creative strategy | Sales Management | Shared Mobility, Sustainability/ESG Management | Event Marketing | Content strategy & production | Video,| B2B sales & marketing | Procurement Negotiations | Advertising | Music industry | Marketing Communication | Digital Transformation | Subscription Management | Solution selling