Ronald James Smith

Background

About Ronald James Smith

Cut me open. You'll find an agile storyteller, design-driven visualizer and nurturing leader. I believe strong creative spurs curiosity, inspires wonder and drives people to react. With 20+ years of experience, I have touched a wide variety of global brands – NIVEA, Cadillac, Coca-Cola, Danone & McDonald’s just to name a few. Influenced by the fusion of design and retail, my knowledge in advertising / marketing has expanded into emerging consumer touch points, enhancing brand identities and kick-starting activation programs. I have deep experience in QSR, Beauty & CPG categories and a proven ability to maximize team talent and deliver successful, engaging 360º campaigns, including TV. A strong, strategic marketing acumen enables me to evaluate communication trends, leverage new social media platforms to maximize impact and budgets. I've shaped brand standards and created processes to ensure brand appropriate work. I moved to Tokyo in 2015 as Executive Creative Director on McDonald’s, steering campaign integration across all creative disciplines including TV, Digital & Retail. Prior to that, I shaped the brand’s retail identity as SVP Creative Lead at Leo Burnett/Arc in Chicago, driving innovation through Merchandising, Menu and Promotional Activations. In 2019, I accepted a role in Bangkok to help start up Publicis One Touch, the group's global bespoke agency to service NIVEA, overseeing creative through the Southeast Asian region. I've recently returned to the US and am seeking a new challenge. My work has achieved an array of awards including Spikes Asia, ADFEST, The Globes Awards, Effies, FAB, Dentsu Ad Awards, McDonald’s Global Excellence Awards and most recently, a Bronze Cannes Lion in 2019. Key strengths include Big Idea campaign development, branding/design direction and steering retail POS & activation. I believe in the collective power of the team and I work to enable people to not only succeed, but to thrive. I have an MA in Advertising, a BA in English Literature & Journalism and a Post Grad Study in Graphic Design.