When is a Non-Exec Director NOT a Non-Exec Director?

The answer is when an entrepreneurial SME thinks it wants one but what it really wants is a top sector experienced Executive to add a sharp, focussed boost to their business – opening doors, adding a different perspective to the company’s thinking, handling sensitive key issues and balancing the “gravitas” of the company presented to outside stakeholders – and, ironically, not as a Director and not non-executive and very much part-time.

This is what happened when Russam GMS were invited to search for a non-executive director to support a client company which was in clothing design and supply. Geoff Smith was ideal. The need was for a strategic and objective view, and a catalyst for business development. Geoff was able to provide such a focus as a professional businessman and retailer with a specialist formal training for the non-executive position provided by the Institute of Directors.

Geoff Smith has many years of experience in fashion retailing with leading UK & international retailers and with consulting in both the retail and wholesale sectors. He offers a unique blend of retail experience combined with formal and strategic business skills. Geoff has recently been lead consultant on a project to open 15 shops across the Gulf to feature a global brand. He has undertaken interim assignments and many consulting projects for retail and fashion brands in UK, the Middle East and the US. Past positions have included General Manager of Pan-Gulf, retail franchise group, Liwa (100+ outlets), Marketing Director at Bentalls, Buying & Merchandising Controller at Harvey Nichols and Senior Buyer at C&A.